The Scottish Government is to close a capital grant scheme for new agricultural businesses on 31 August.
This scheme provides grants for people new to farming to make improvements to their agricultural business and help to promote sustainable development.
NFU Scotland has already expressed their disappointment and have urged the Scottish Government to rethink their SRDP funding plans.
NFUS President, Andrew McCornick has urged the Scottish Government to “reconsider this decision and reallocate funding within the SRDP to the much-valued, but under-funded schemes that support the next generation”
Rachael Hamilton MSP has expressed her frustration at the decision, which is ultimately a backward step in encouraging the next generation of new talent into farming.
Commenting on the news, Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“This is a bitter blow to all of those who want to start out in farming”
“Many new entrants across the Borders will be let down as a result of this change”
“At a time when the average age of a farmer in Scotland stands at 59, we need to be doing all we can to encourage more young people into agriculture”
“The SNP Government is simply pulling up the drawbridge, and preventing a wealth of talent into an industry which desperately needs new blood”
“Similarly to NFUS, I am demanding that the SNP Government rethinks this decision and ensures that the funding reinstated”