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Latest awards from Agri-Environment Climate Scheme announced
Friday 21 February 2020 - 15:49
Rural projects that protect the environment and mitigate the impact of climate change will share £34 million.
A total of 472 businesses will benefit from the latest award of Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) funding, which promotes environmentally friendly land management practices and looks to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage.
This brings the total committed to rural businesses under AECS since 2015 to more than £211 million, benefiting almost 3,000 applicants.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
"Facing a global climate emergency, the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme has proven to be a successful way of supporting farmers, crofters and land managers to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
"This latest funding to 472 individuals and rural businesses will support and promote a greener and more prosperous environment, through improving water quality, managing flood risks, protecting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.
"Rural Scotland holds one of the key assets we will need to tackle climate change and address biodiversity loss, our land, which is why I am clear that future agri-environment support will continue as we transition to a low carbon future."
Francesca Osowska, Scottish Natural Heritage’s Chief Executive said:
"A nature-rich Scotland is key to reducing the effects of climate change, so it’s great news that farmers and crofters will have additional funding to continue their important work supporting Scotland's biodiversity. Many farmers are doing wonderful work to improve, create and link important habitats and the vulnerable wildlife they support – like brown hares, corncrake and curlew. This extra funding will also ensure that work to reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality will continue."