£30.5 million funding boost for rural Scotland

5th December 2011

Organic projects throughout Scotland have been given a cash boost thanks to the latest round of Rural Priorities funding.

The number of grants awarded to organic farm businesses has doubled since last year, giving many farms the opportunity to convert to or maintain organic status.

In total, 86 of the 573 agri-environment projects approved were in the organic sector, representing £6.4 million of the £30.5 million awarded.

The much-needed support brings the total amount of Rural Priorities funding to £480 million since the scheme's launch in 2008.

Among the projects given the green light was West Shirva Farm at Twechar, which received a £7,590 organic maintenance grant to further develop the long term sustainability of its organic egg, beef and lamb production and marketing systems.

Also approved was a £4,161 grant for a Skye croft, towards an environment management project to protect and enhance local biodiversity, supporting species such as corncrakes, hen harrier, lapwing and brown hare.

Meanwhile, in Tayside, the Megginch Estate Partnership was awarded £17,925 to restore the historic orchard at Megginch Castle. The project includes planting new fruit trees, restoring the orchard pond and stone walls and installing nest boxes, along with work to control grey squirrels.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:"The £30.5 million of Rural Priorities funding awarded will allow crofts and farm businesses across the country to take practical steps to help combat climate change, protect biodiversity and enhance our unique rural landscape.

"I am also pleased to confirm that the number of grants awarded to organic farm businesses has doubled with 95 per cent of organic cases approved this year, compared to 46 per cent last year. This shows our increasing support for the organic sector and has given many farms the opportunity to convert to and maintain organic status.

"The funding also clearly demonstrates our commitment to protecting the vulnerable flora and fauna that inhabit Scotland's rural areas.

"Agri-environment projects have a vital role to play in ensuring that what makes Scotland attractive to both visitors and residents is safeguarded. The funding earmarked in the budget for the next three years is greater than that awarded this year, and I have every confidence, therefore, that we will continue to have sufficient funds to meet demands.

"Rural Priorities has now provided a total of £480 million in EU and Scottish Government funding, sustaining and creating thousands of jobs. The projects approved today will help to support the rural economy and safeguard our natural habitats for generations to come."

Laura Stewart, head of the Soil Association Scotland, said:"The high approval rate for organic conversion and maintenance is a huge turnaround from recent years and is fantastic news for the organic sector in Scotland. The Scottish Government has worked closely with the Scottish Organic Forum to improve the application process, including making organic farming a National Target. We are continuing to work together to increase opportunities for organic production in Scotland."

Deborah Roberts, Development Manager at the Scottish Organic Producers Association, said:

"Organic farmers have found the Rural Priorities experience very troublesome up until this round. The 86 farmers that have successfully secured contracts to stay organic will continue to deliver soil protection, water protection, biodiversity enhancement and climate change actions.

"The Scottish Organic Sector asked for help and it is right that this RPAC round reflects the aspirations of the Organic Action Plan. This will make a big difference to confidence and is great for the sector."

Rural Priorities is a competitive funding mechanism under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Individuals and groups may seek funding from the programme to help deliver the Scottish Government's strategic objectives in rural Scotland.

Issued by Scottish Government