Rural Payments and Services

A new funding round under the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme for 2019 has been announced.

The scheme, which promotes land management practices that protect and enhance Scotland's natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and mitigate and adapt to climate change, will open for applications early in January.

More than £144 million has already been committed since 2015, supporting 2044 businesses.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“I am pleased to confirm that a new funding round under the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme will take place next year."

“The scheme aims to support farmers, crofters and land managers to realise the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to low carbon farming practices and with future payments guaranteed after a UK exit from the EU, it is important that we continue to enable projects to take place."

"I would encourage anyone thinking of making an application to start preparing it now, ahead of the application window opening in the new year.”

Chair of Scottish Natural Heritage, Mike Cantlay said:

“This announcement is fantastic news for farmers, crofters and land managers who have the opportunity to apply for funding in 2019."

"And for Scotland, as we all benefit from the work this funding supports."

“The scheme can help them to manage the land in ways that benefit our environment including managing the land for biodiversity, for the needs of plants and wildlife in Scotland’s protected sites, improving public access, organic farming and improving water quality."