Scottish farmers offered £21.4m in sustainability grants

A total of £21.4m in grants has been offered to Scottish farmers and crofters through the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), following unprecedented demand for the initiative.

Launched in July, the FFIS aims to support nature- and climate-friendly practices across Scottish agriculture, helping farmers improve efficiency, reduce emissions and boost biodiversity.

The scheme, developed in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Stakeholders’ Taskforce (FAST), NFU Scotland (NFUS), and the Scottish Crofting Federation, received more than 7,500 applications – nearly five times the original funding capacity.

See also: Scottish capital grants scheme receives £7m uplift

Rising demand led the Scottish government to boost the fund from £14m to £21.4m, allowing 1,672 applicants to receive a total of £21.39m.

While the maximum grant for a farm was £20,000, the average award is expected to be around £12,793.

Grants cover sustainability measures including tree and hedge planting, improved grazing management, precision farming equipment, and water efficiency projects.

Scotland’s agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said the scheme “is about enabling practical action on farms and crofts” and praised the industry’s “remarkable level of interest”.

And Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon described the FFIS as “a cornerstone of Scotland’s sustainable agricultural transition”.

NFUS delight

NFUS president Andrew Connon said: “We are delighted to see the Future Farming Investment Scheme payments now being issued, including the additional £7.4m following sustained calls from NFU Scotland to meet the exceptional level of demand.

“The scheme’s record 7,584 applications demonstrate that farmers and crofters are ready to invest in efficiency, productivity, and sustainable, nature-friendly practices – they just need the right support to do so.

“The announcement, made at our Autumn Conference on 23 October, reflects the strong partnership between government and industry and highlights the growing role of innovation in Scottish agriculture.

“Obviously, we would like more but we are grateful to the cabinet secretary for listening and recognising the sector’s ambition.”

Applicants have 14 days to accept awards, with payments made within 30 days.

The scheme sits alongside more than £500m in annual direct support to the sector and is seen as a key step toward Scotland’s long-term climate and productivity goals.