Rural Payments and Services

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has set up a group to kick-start a new generation of farmers by dramatically increasing the number of starter farms on public land.

He has tasked the new group with delivering ambitious proposals within the next six months to maximise the amount of publically owned land used to help the farmers of the future start their career in the industry.

Mr Lochhead also announced that the new Forestry Commission Scotland starter farm in Huntly is to be run by John Matheson, a self-employed agricultural contractor from the village of Undy, close to Ellon.

John and his partner Fiona Taylor, a primary school teacher from Ellon, will take up occupancy at Woodfold starter-farm near Rothiemay, on 1st October 2015.

The announcement was made by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead in advance of this year’s Royal Highland Show. He said:

"New entrants are the lifeblood of any industry, bringing fresh thinking, new ideas and an infectious enthusiasm. I want to make sure our farming industry reaps the benefits of a new generation, for now and for the future of the industry.

"To do this we need to create the right opportunities for the farmers of the future to get their start in the industry – and our innovative and unique approach of creating starter farms is one way of achieving this. That’s why I’m setting up this new group with the task of developing plans over the next six months to dramatically increase the number of starter farms available on publicly owned land.

"I hope their proposals will help us to deliver a new generation of farmers, provide opportunities for young people, secure food production for years to come and boost our economy.

"We’ve already seen the benefits that starter farms offer and I’m very pleased for John as this is a golden opportunity for him to get that all important first step up on the farming ladder. I wish him and all our new entrants every success in the future.

John Matheson added:

"I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, especially as I have missed out on other chances over the past six years since being self-employed.

"Having everything in one place will make a massive difference in helping to develop my business."