Rural Priorities Reminder for New Entrants
New entrants to Scottish farming are being reminded that they have less than one month left if they wish to apply to the Rural Priorities scheme for business support.
The only Rural Priorities assessment round in 2013 is dedicated to new entrants and applications require to be submitted by 20 February.
NFU Scotland’s Director of Policy and Regions, Jonnie Hall said:
“We are into the final year of the existing Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and funds are all but spent.
“With no new programme for 2014, a ‘bridging’ period will be required that will cover Less Favoured Areas support, existing agri-environment agreements and tree planting commitments.
“So there will be no SRDP funding available for any capital investment into farming for at least two years other than this final 2013 round for new entrants.
“It is vital that all eligible new entrants look hard at what support their fledgling businesses might require. The outcome of discussions on future direct support through Pillar 1 of the CAP is unknown, so I would encourage new farm businesses to consider all the options available for investment.
“Given the volatile marketplace for farm produce and the challenges being presented by changing weather patterns, there is a window of opportunity here to consider projects that may future-proof a new business.”
Notes to Editors
- The timetable for the Rural Priorities Axis 1 and 3 funding round for New Entrants - June 2013 is as follows:
- Applications to be submitted by 20 February 2013
- Applications to be committed by 28 March 2013
- RPACs to be held from 10-14 June 2013
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006
Date Published: 29/01/2013
News Article No.: 07/13
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