Farming

Over 1,000 hectares of public land is to be made available to new farmers this spring.

The move is part of the Scottish Government's Programme for Government commitment to identify and release more public and private land for new farmers as part of their action plan for Farming Opportunities for New Entrants.

Forestry Enterprise Scotland, Scottish Water, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, East Lothian and Highland Councils will all release land this spring for around 50 new farmers.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

Balgay Farm opened its gates on 21 February for an event to teach school children about local farming and food production.

The free Food & Farming Day was organised by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Perth & Kinross, sponsored by the Scottish Government's Food and Drink Industry Division.

You can now apply for micro grants from the Ayrshire LEADER programme.

Up to £5,000 is available for community projects and up to £10,000 for rural enterprise and farm diversification projects.

You can apply for up to 90% of costs and decisions on grant will be made by the end of May 2018. Projects must start within three months of grant offer and be fully claimed back by 31 March 2019.

Wet Weather Resilience Planning – Craigie

The prolonged wet weather that we have experienced since Autumn 2017 has had a massive impact on farm businesses across South West Scotland. 

Forage shortages, slurry spreading issues, field damage and animal health issues such as fluke and pneumonia have all taken their toll on farmers, stock and businesses. Unfortunately this probably wasn’t a one off and The Farm Advisory Service are running a series of meetings across the region to help businesses recover through the spring and use lessons learnt to make plans for the future to make farms more resilient to bad weather.

Funding for Rural Enterprise & Farm Diversification

Do you have an innovative idea for a rural business or for a farm diversification project?

This free event is aimed at individuals or new and existing/expanding businesses based in and around the Kilsyth, Croy, Banton and Queenzieburn areas of North Lanarkshire.

Setting up a farm diversification is a good way to protect the future of your business with an extra income stream and gain a range of benefits which you don’t often find in traditional farming.

Over 900 pupils are taking part a project which encourages classes to grow and harvest their own potatoes from scratch.

The Mr Jazzy Potato Project is organised by the Perth & Kinross Initiative of the Royal Highland Educational Trust (RHET) and sponsored by WCF Horticulture, a leading packer and supply chain manager to the horticultural sector, specialising in seed potatoes.

A new service has launched today, Friday 9 February 2018, to provide farmers, foresters and crofters in Scotland with a collaborative way to explore their business ideas.

The Rural Innovation Support Service is part of the Scottish Rural Network and is being led by Soil Association Scotland.

The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is offering funded support to help Scottish farmers manage and establish woodland, and access funding through the Forestry Grant Scheme.

Maximise your farm income

Many farmers want to improve the resilience of their business by innovating or diversifying – but the level of investment required can be daunting.

Setting up a farm diversification is a good way to protect the future of your business with an extra income stream and gain a range of benefits which you don't often find in traditional farming.

This year's BBC Food and Farming Awards are now open for nominations.

Is there an outstanding food or drink producer in your area? Do you know an amazing cook? Is there an inspirational farmer you think deserves special recognition?

You can make your nominations for the annual BBC Food and Farming Awards in the following categories:

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