Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme

The next round of applications is now open - you can apply directly on Rural Payments and Services website.

The Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) provides support to businesses so that they can invest in equipment to reduce harmful ammonia emissions and reduce adverse impacts on water quality resulting from the storage and spreading of livestock slurry and digestate.

The main objectives and expected outcomes of the scheme is to support Scottish Agriculture contribute to Scotland’s statutory emissions reductions targets through:

• protecting and improving the natural environment,

• reducing ammonia emissions from farming operations,

• supporting sustainable farming,

• supporting sustainable land use

The scheme opened for applications on 26 April 2022 and closes to applications midnight 01 June 2022.

Who can apply?

Scottish farmers, crofters and agricultural contractors (based in Scotland), can apply for this grant if they:

• store and/or spread slurry or digestate,

• are registered for funding with SGRPID,

• have a Rural Payments and Services username and password and

• have or agree to obtain a carbon audit or a nutrient management plan (these will be required to be provided at the point of claiming grant to receive payment).

How much money can you apply for?

The maximum amount of aid a single farm business can receive is £20,000. This means one application per Business Reference Number (BRN).

Grant awards will be based on 40% of the standard cost listed in the full scheme guidance. Businesses located in the Highlands and Islands (HIE area) will receive a higher grant rate of 50% (in acknowledgement of the higher cost involved with transporting goods to these areas).

Full details of the scheme can be found here.