Scottish Government
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Cash support for new farmers
New farmers, who are ineligible for vital European funding, are set to benefit from cash support from the Scottish Government.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has pledged £2 million of support for new entrants who are currently excluded from receiving single farm payments.
He unveiled his plans in a speech to the NFU Scotland conference in St Andrews where he also announced the names of the latest new entrants to be awarded tenancy opportunities on Forestry Commission Scotland starter farms.
The new entrants who will begin their farming careers from April on three farms located in Aberdeenshire and Dumfriesshire are:
- Ross and Kirsten Williams (aged 30 from Turriff) who will farm at Upper Tullochbeg, Huntly
- Richard O’Rourke and Aimee Mitchell (aged 23 and 21 from Castle Douglas) who will farm at Falgunzeon, Dalbeattie
- Alister Orr (aged 35 from Cumnock) who will farm at Carserigg, Kirkconnel
Mr Lochhead said:
“Scotland has a wealth of talented young farmers who are eager to farm and help shape the future of the industry in Scotland. We need these farmers. They are the future of our industry but the current system leaves them disadvantaged.
“Within the EU rules I am seeking ways to help and the funding I have unveiled today will provide some support for those farmers who are currently ineligible for subsidies. I have asked the New Entrants Advisory Panel to provide urgent advice about how best to spend the money and how to ensure it is allocated fairly.
“I’m committed to supporting our new entrants and helping them get a fairer deal out of the next Common Agricultural Policy. This has long been a priority for Scotland.
“Among those who may benefit are the new Forestry Commission Scotland tenants who have been given an important first step on the farming ladder today.
“The starter farm initiative provides real opportunities for the next generation of farmer. It is an excellent example of both optimising land use and collaborative working across both the forestry and agriculture sectors.
“Recognising the high demand for starter farms, FCS has identified two more starter farms - at Rynaclach Farm, near Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire and at Glenside, by Kirkmichael, Ayrshire - and is now seeking applications for these opportunities.”
FCS is offering the new entrants a 10 year Limited Duration Tenancy (LDT) agreement. It is hoped that each will gain valuable experience in managing their own farm business on a part-time basis before moving on to larger scale operations at the end of their lease period.
Robin Waddell, Agricultural Advisor with Forestry Commission Scotland, said
“All five of the candidates demonstrated their passion for the task ahead, presenting clear business plans of how they aim to work the land. We are looking forward to working alongside these enthusiastic young farmers.
“With two more starter units being offered, we are now seeking applications from new entrants looking for that life-changing opportunity to get their farming career off the ground. I am confident that we will once again receive a high calibre of applicants for these positions based on previous rounds of this initiative.”
Related information
Application information and further details about Forestry Commission Scotland’s starter farms
