New Grant for Scottish Farmers and Crofters

Post Author:

Rona Burns

Date Posted:

July 9, 2025

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The Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS) 2025 offers an opportunity for Scottish farmers and crofters to invest in sustainable practices that support both their businesses and the environment. This capital grant scheme is designed to encourage improvements in efficiency, climate resilience, and biodiversity on Scottish farms.

Overview of the Scheme

The FFIS 2025 is a capital grant scheme that provides financial assistance to active farmers and crofters. The scheme offers up to 100% funding for eligible investments that contribute to:

  • enhancing business efficiency and sustainability
  • protecting and improving the natural environment
  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • adapting to climate change

With a budget of £14 million, the scheme reflects Scotland’s focus on a greener agricultural sector.

Key Dates

Applications will be accepted from 14 July 2025 to 22 August 2025.

Submissions must be made online through the Manage Applications and Claims Portal on the Rural Payments website.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, individuals must:

  • be an active farmer or crofter in Scotland
  • have submitted a 2025 Single Application Form (SAF) by 15 May 2025 and have over 3 hectares of eligible land
  • have completed at least two Whole Farm Plan options

Priority will be given to young farmers, new entrants, small farms and tenant farmers.  Applications from public bodies, contractors, equine-only operations, or those previously found to have provided false information will not be considered.

Grant Values

Funding is based on the size of eligible agricultural land:

  • Up to 30 hectares: up to £5,000
  • 01 to 150 hectares: up to £10,000
  • Over 150 hectares: up to £20,000

Only one application per Business Reference Number (BRN) is allowed per funding round. Funded investments must be new, not previously supported by other schemes, and retained for at least six years.

What Can Be Funded

Examples of eligible investments include:

  • precision farming tools
  • slurry and nutrient storage solutions
  • efficient water systems
  • renewable energy infrastructure
  • biodiversity and habitat improvements

Items used for contracting purposes or already funded under schemes such as the Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme (CAGS) are not eligible.

Application Steps

  1. Review the full FFIS guidance available on the Rural Payments website.
    2. Make sure your Rural Payments and Services account is active and accurate.
    3. Submit your application between 14 July and 22 August 2025.
    4. If approved, accept your Offer of Grant within 14 days.
    5. Complete your investment within nine months and submit the required evidence to the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (SGRPID).

Conclusion

The Future Farm Investment Scheme 2025 is an opportunity to purchase capital assets that contribute to sustainable practices.  Applicants are encouraged to align their investment proposals with the scheme’s objectives and take advantage of the financial support available.

For detailed guidance and to access the application portal, please visit the official Rural Payments website.

Future Farm Investment Scheme full guidance

The information in this blog provides only an overview of Scottish Government guidance and legislation in force at the date of publication and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed Scottish Government guidance and legislation or seeking professional advice.  Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this blog can be accepted by the firm.

Photo by Warren on Unsplash