Cabinet Secretary announces an additional £7.4 million for the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS)
NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of an additional £7.4 million for the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), taking total funding to over £21.4 million - an increase of more than 50 per cent.
The announcement follows sustained calls from NFU Scotland for additional funding to meet the exceptional level of demand. It was made at NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference on 23 October at the Royal Highland Showground Pavilion, where the theme focused on science and innovation in farming.
Launched in July, the FFIS offers flexible capital grants to support investment in efficiency, and in nature- and climate-friendly farming. The scheme received 7,584 applications by the deadline - clear evidence, says NFU Scotland, of the industry’s strong appetite to invest in sustainable growth.
Speaking at the conference, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, announced the budget uplift for FFIS and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovation and long-term transformation in Scottish agriculture.
Ms Gougeon said:
“The FFIS is a blueprint for how we will continue to deliver practical support to your businesses – whether through investments in agri-tech solutions or initiatives that address climate and nature challenges. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together and I am pleased to confirm its total funding will increase from £14 million to £21.4 million.”
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:
“This additional £7 million is a very welcome response to the strong case we’ve made for greater investment in farm productivity and innovation. The exceptional demand for the scheme shows that farmers and crofters are ready to invest in a more efficient, sustainable future - they just need the right support to do it. We thank the Cabinet Secretary for listening and recognising that ambition.”
NFU Scotland also welcomed additional funding announced for projects that promote innovation, data use and mental wellbeing within the agricultural sector - including continued support for MyHerdStats, Farmstrong, and the latest Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) initiatives.
During the conference, NFU Scotland also launched its new Policy Strategy, which sets out the Union’s priorities for the future of agricultural support and includes a major focus on securing long-term funding and investment for Scottish farming.
Notes to editors:
- A photograph of Andrew Connon and Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP is above
- A copy of NFU Scotland’s new Policy Strategy is available here.
Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642846