Scottish farmers and crofters are set to benefit from grants of up to £20,000 from the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), which is expected to open later this year.

Government officials stated that at least 725 farming and crofting businesses will be helped through the next round of the scheme, which is offering £14.25 million in total.

It has been reported that this funding will support a range of initiatives, including improving soil quality, creating hedgerows and upgrading livestock management infrastructure.

The government outlined that support will be enhanced for new entrants into the sector, businesses located in the Highlands and Islands, and projects delivering environmental benefits.

Speaking on the scheme's announcement, First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney said: "This funding will have far-reaching benefits for agricultural businesses.

"It will help farmers and crofters invest in new equipment, modernise their operations and respond to the challenges posed by climate change, including increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

"The next round of this scheme has been shaped by feedback from farmers and crofters and reflects our commitment to supporting a competitive, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector," he added.

FFIS

The government stated that the scheme is aimed at helping farmers and crofters with the cost of "select items", which will be listed ahead of the scheme opening later this year.

Most applicants will receive funding covering 50% of eligible costs, with rates of support varying for these specific groups:

Farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands will be eligible for funding of up to 60% of permitted costs;
New entrants into the sector will be eligible for funding of up to 80% of permitted costs;
Projects delivering environmental and nature benefits will be eligible for funding of up to 100% of permitted costs.

Government officials highlighted that "the maximum grant value available under the scheme is £20,000 per business, regardless of size."

The next round of FFIS will be open in winter this year, according to the Scottish government.