Scottish fund to tackle climate change opens

The Scottish government is encouraging all farmers, crofters and land managers to apply for its Agri-Environment Climate Change Scheme, which opens on Wednesday (17 January).

The initiative, jointly funded by the EU, will support environmentally friendly land management that safeguards and improves Scotland’s natural heritage and assist businesses to adapt to climate change.

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The application window will run for 12 weeks until 13 April – or 31 May for collaborative projects that involve five or more businesses.

“I am delighted to confirm that we are now accepting applications to the Agri-Environment Climate Change scheme,” said environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

“The scheme supports our continued efforts to protect and enhance our environment by promoting environmentally friendly land management practices.

“It also helps businesses to manage flood risks and mitigate and adapt to the challenge of climate change.”

She added: “I would therefore encourage all farmers, crofters and land managers to apply for support under the scheme, and explore how they can benefit and realise the environmental and economic potential of low carbon, environmentally friendly practices.”

The fund has already paid out more than £100m to 2,090 businesses in Scotland since 2014.

More information on how to apply can be found on the Scottish government’s website.