First Minister John Swinney visited Turriff Show today (Monday 3 Aug) to announce £14.25 million in new funding for Scottish farmers and crofters, as part of the second round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS).
At least 725 farming and crofting businesses are expected to share the funding, with grants of up to £20,000 available to support investment and modernisation. Applications will open from winter 2026, according to the Scottish Government.
The scheme will fund a range of capital projects, including soil quality improvements, hedgerow creation and upgrades to livestock management infrastructure. Enhanced rates of support will be available to new entrants to farming, businesses based in the Highlands and Islands, and projects delivering environmental benefits.
Most successful applicants will receive funding covering 50 per cent of eligible costs. New entrants can claim up to 80 per cent, while Highlands and Islands businesses are eligible for up to 60 per cent. Investments delivering environmental and nature benefits may qualify for funding of up to 100 per cent. The maximum grant remains capped at £20,000 per business regardless of size.
Speaking ahead of his appearance at Turriff Show — Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural event — Mr Swinney said: “Farmers and crofters play a vital role in producing food, supporting jobs and caring for our natural environment. That is why we are doing everything we can to ensure rural Scotland and our food and drink sector continue to thrive.”
He added: “This funding will have far-reaching benefits for agricultural businesses. It will help farmers and crofters invest in new equipment, modernise their operations and respond to the challenges posed by climate change, including increasingly frequent extreme weather events.”
“The next round of this scheme has been shaped by feedback from farmers and crofters and reflects our commitment to supporting a competitive, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector,” Mr Swinney said.
The visit forms part of a wider tour of Scottish agricultural shows this summer, including the Royal Highland Show, the Border Union Show and the Black Isle Show, as the First Minister gathers views from farmers, crofters and rural stakeholders to inform the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Rural Renewal Bill.
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The new funding builds on the scheme’s pilot round, launched in July 2025 with an initial budget of £14 million that was later increased to £21.4 million following exceptionally high demand. That first round attracted 7,582 applications requesting a combined £77.7 million — more than three times the funding available — underlining sustained pressure on capital support within the sector.
A full list of eligible items for the new round is due to be published before the scheme opens for applications.
