New support for small producers announced

Small producers will be able to access a range of new support through a new government pilot to help them become more sustainable.

The Small Producers Pilot Fund has been allocated over £180,000 which will be used to assist small producers and crofters to establish more localized supply chains and cut food miles.

The funding will be used to:

• support two small-scale abbatoir projects
• establish a new information resource webpage for small producers
• develop a framework to assess small producers data 
• procure a service to deliver training courses for small producers

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“The Small Producers Pilot Fund will help small producers grow their businesses and facilitate the growth of a more diverse and resilient food and drink industry. 

“This pilot marks the start of our wider efforts to help small producers move to more green and sustainable production methods.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to supporting small producers and empowering them to play a key role in making our Vision for Agriculture a reality."

The Small Producers Pilot Fund has been co-designed with the Small Producer Steering Group. It will ensure that small producers are not left behind as part of efforts as Scotland moves towards a just transition. 

The Group was established by the Scottish Government to contribute to its Vision for Agriculture, Good Food Nation ambitions and Local Food Strategy. It is industry led and works in partnership with Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) as well as other agriculture, small holding and food industry stakeholders.

The groups aims are:

• create more localised supply chains
• enhance producer value
• cut food miles
• work with small scale producers, businesses and food production

The Fund will help individual small producers increase their resilience, enhance their contribution to the rural economy and become more sustainable.