Small Farm Grant Scheme

Smallholding Scotland is concerned about the low uptake of the Small Farm Grant Scheme. These concerns have been raised formally with Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity and Mr Ewing has asked his civil servants to review the scheme.

On Wednesday 28th June, Rosemary Champion, co-Chair of Smallholding Scotland, met with Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Officer in the Crofting Bill Team to outline concerns about the structure of the scheme, including the 3ha minimum land area and the income bar for eligibility.

It is likely that the review will be considered by the Minister after the Scottish Parliament’s summer recess.

Smallholding Scotland would welcome comments from smallholders on the scheme, particularly if you have made an application, regardless of whether you were successful or not.