Grant details thin on the ground

The Scottish Government was unwilling yesterday to provide detailed information on who exactly was benefitting from the £4.2 million awarded in grants to support new farmers pursuing a career in agriculture, other than stating the cash would be shared out between some 81 successful applicants.

The funding is part of the New Entrant Start-up Grant and Young Farmer Start-up Grant schemes. While this tranche of funding sees 81 new businesses supported, earlier payments of close to £10m has now seen 256 busi- 0 Fergus Ewing: It is ‘vital’ to attract new entrants nesses receive this aid. In announcing the funding, cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing said: “It’s vital to the sustainability of agriculture in Scotland that we do everything in our power to encourage new entrants to farming.

“With the average age of Scottish farmers currently close to 60, there is of course an emphasis on encouraging young people to farming, but new entrants of any age are welcome, and can help to drive innovation and improve best practice across the industry, whilst contributing to the economic vitality of the sector.”

To qualify for the funding, applications have to be for a new business and for there to be no involvement in a previous business. The grant may be used for the acquisition of land or livestock. A government spokesperson added they could not provide more specific information.