New Entrants

March 2018 - The Young Farmers and New Entrants Start up schemes are both currently closed.

July 2018 – The New Entrant Capital Grants Scheme is closed to new applications from 31 August 2018

More information

Encouraging a new generation to farming is vital if Scotland is to maintain vibrant farming and crofting sectors.

As such, overcoming barriers to entry and attracting talented people to agriculture is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

To help achieve this aim, the Scottish Rural Development Programme includes important help for new entrants through three dedicated funding schemes.

1. Start-up aid to support young farmers with the costs of starting an agricultural business for the first time.

2. Start-up aid to support new entrants to farming who have started their agricultural business within the last 12 months.

3. A business improvement grant to help new entrants continue the development of their business.

Additionally, one-to-one specialist consultancy advice and mentoring from experienced farmers willing and able to pass on their experience and skills is available through a new advisory service.

Advisory service

Scotland's newly launched Farm Advisory Service is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) which is co-funded by the EU and Scottish Government.

Delivering the £20m contract will be SAC Consulting, part of Scotland's Rural College and Ricardo Energy and Environment. FAS will run until the end of December 2020.