Agricultural development projects aimed at tackling climate change have received funding worth more than £240,000, the Scottish government announced today (Thursday, August 31).

The four projects received grants from the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund, which encourages rural businesses to work together and share the knowledge and skills.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison will visit Marshill Farm, North Lanarkshire, today to mark the announcement.

The projects that received funding are:

  • Scottish Organic Dairy Goals 2023, facilitated by Scottish Organic Milk Producers – awarded £28,427.25;
  • Agroecology by Nourish Scotland – awarded £145,650 for its work encouraging farmers, growers and crofters to work together to adopt more agroecological practices;
  • Data Driven Decisions in Potatoes, facilitated by Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) – awarded £25,575. Aims to help potato growers become more productive and sustainable, reducing their impact on the environment;
  • Decarbonising Scottish Malting Barley production, facilitated by SAOS – awarded £43,260. Aims to help arable growers transition to lower carbon production systems for malting barley.

“Congratulations to all recipients of the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund. Industry-led projects such as these prove that agriculture and strong environmental practices can go hand in hand,” Robison said.

“By providing this funding, the Scottish government aims to help them share knowledge – supporting innovation and allowing them to become more efficient.

“We are determined to support our rural communities and businesses, which play an important role in achieving a growing, fairer and greener economy with wellbeing at its heart. That is why we are developing a Rural Delivery Plan, which will show how all parts of the Scottish government are delivering for rural Scotland.