Help For New Entrants To Farming

14th May 2013

New farmers can now get financial support thanks to a new scheme opened by the Scottish Government today.

£2 million worth of funding will be available to support new entrants and deer farmers who are currently excluded from receiving single farm payments.

Applications are being accepted from today and the Scottish Government and the new entrants panel will look to distribute the money in relation to the size of the farm and the potential investment it carries.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:“It is crucial that we do all we can to help introduce new entrants to farming – they are fresh blood to what is the backbone of the rural economy.

“As I have said before this is a helping hand but is no substitute for direct support that new entrants should get but don’t due to the flawed European policy currently in place. But I hope it at least offers some assistance until the new CAP arrives, which can’t happen soon enough for our new entrants. The longer term answer is to get new entrants onto a level playing field from day one of the new CAP.

“A strong farming industry is vital to Scotland and the introduction of fresh talent and new ideas will help shape the future of farming in Scotland.

“This funding comes as the Scottish Government looks to distribute £6 million in financial aid to farmers hardest hit by the extreme weather in recent months. It is important that this money is allocated fairly and as soon as practical to those who need it most.

“New entrants will qualify for the aid package under EU rules and those applications will be considered along with others.

“We have had a useful first discussion of the industry group looking at how to deploy the weather aid funding. In the event that this budget is not fully spent – bearing in mind EU rules limit the amount we can pay per farm – the Scottish Government will consider whether funding can be redirected to boost the pot available to new entrants.”

More information on the New Entrants Scheme
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/grants/FundingSupportNewEntrants