NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon has written to Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, urging the Scottish Government to significantly increase the budget for the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) in response to unprecedented demand from Scottish farmers and crofters.
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The call comes after the FFIS - designed to support capital investment in key areas such as efficiency, environmental delivery, and business resilience - received applications from thousands of farm businesses seeking funds far exceeding the £14 million available for the 2025/26 financial year.
In his letter, Mr Connon emphasised that the oversubscription to the scheme highlights a strong and widespread appetite across the industry for investment that supports transformational change.
“The demand shows that Scottish farmers and crofters of all sizes, types and locations are ready to invest in their futures – not just for profitability, but to deliver on the Scottish Government’s ambitions for climate, environment and resilience,” said Mr Connon.
The Union is now calling for the Scottish Government to:
- Increase the FFIS 2025/26 budget by at least £5 million, using uncommitted funds originally earmarked for food processing and marketing support, if that scheme is not able to be delivered this year.
- Bring forward part of the £26 million budgeted for 2026/27, with the balance being allocated as much-needed funding for food processing, marketing, and cooperation grants, to allow more businesses to benefit from this round of FFIS funding and drive immediate progress in transforming Scottish agriculture.
NFU Scotland has closely followed the development of the FFIS and has consistently pushed for a strong focus on new entrants, young farmers, tenants, and investment in efficiency and sustainability. The Union has also welcomed the streamlined application and claim process, suggesting it could serve as a model for future agricultural grant delivery.
“The FFIS has been a refreshing step forward – simple, focused, and impactful,” added Mr Connon. “But unless the funding matches the demand, we risk losing momentum at a time when the industry is crying out for action.”
NFU Scotland has requested a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Gougeon and her officials to explore how additional funding could be deployed without delay.
Notes to editors:
- A copy of the letter to the Cabinet Secretary is available here.
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Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619