A Bright Funding Future Ahead?
A new capital grant scheme, The Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS) is set to support farmers and crofters in improving the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of their agricultural businesses, with at least £14 million in funding available in 2025. Launched by the Scottish Government, the funding is part of Scotland’s transition toward climate-smart farming and offers targeted financial support for on-farm investments that deliver efficiency improvements, environmental benefits, reduce emissions, and adapt to a changing climate. FFIS is open to eligible agricultural businesses across Scotland and aims to encourage forward-looking improvements that align with Scottish Government’s vision for sustainable, low carbon, profitable agriculture.
Farmers and crofters from across the industry and sectors have long suggested that they could meet the challenges of farm efficiency, climate change and nature decline head on, provided support was available. Excitement and anticipation for the new grant scheme is already high, with many Royal Highland Show attendees keen to scope out their options, understand the criteria and get the ball rolling on an application. But, as with every big commitment, applicants are encouraged to take time to consider next steps carefully.
The Scottish Government have released a comprehensive guidance update for the scheme - read on for the top five take away messages for those looking to get a head start and avoid some inevitable pitfalls.
- The application window doesn’t open until 14 July 2025, giving plenty of time to plan the logistics of an application – all applications must be submitted via an online portal so it crucial that businesses that have accounts have their usernames and passwords at the ready.
- Agents and advisors are here to support, however as this is a new grant scheme, new permissions will need to be given, either via an online account or with a business mandate form – Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) have advice and information on how to complete both.
- The application portal is not currently open, but applicants can forward plan. The RPID guidance sets out the kinds of questions you will be asked to answer when completing your application, these can be found within the online guidance and generally revolve around how your business aligns with the stated funding priorities.
- Grant support is based on the total Basic Payment Scheme eligible area declared on your 2025 Single Application Form, with businesses under 30 hectares being eligible for up to £5,000, 31 – 150 receiving up to £10,000 and businesses over 150 hectares being eligible to claim up to £20,000.
- You cannot claim the grant retrospectively so, by all means, plan ahead but unless your application has been accepted and you have received and returned you offer of grant letter, you must not purchase anything you are seeking grant support with.
In preparation for the launch of the application round, RPID have created a new enquiries inbox that applicants can use to seek clarification on the eligibility of items or answer any other burning questions, FFIS@gov.scot.
Posted by Alex Pirie on 07/07/2025
