Scottish farmers are now able to apply for up to £200,000 a year to strengthen their farming skills and drive environmental improvements.
An application was opened this week, with Agriculture Minister Jim Fairley confirming that the fund will consider a multi-year agreement.
The move aims to provide farmers with great certainty and long-term support subject to annual budget confirmation.
Since its launch in 2015, Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) has supported a variety of initiatives designed to promote skills development, business efficiency and sustainability on the farm.
Past projects supported by the fund include the Livestock Skills Development Program for Lake Lomond and Torosach National Park.
Others explored Crofter’s specialized training courses, but the Butte Island project highlighted the productivity benefits of improving delivery intervals.
This year’s fund is expected to play a key role in Scotland’s climate response and biodiversity goals. Meanwhile, it helps the farming community round out its businesses and practices in the future.
Minister Fairy said: “Since its launch in 2015, the fund has supported the agricultural industry to share the very important skills and lessons learned throughout the agricultural network.
“KTIF is well positioned to support climate emergency response through restoration and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, promoting resource efficiency, improving water and soil management, and preventing and controlling pollution.
“We want to work with farmers to do everything we can to provide as much stability as possible. A multi-year application will help us improve our future plans and try new ways to make agriculture and food production as sustainable as possible.”
Details on how to apply are available through the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Support Portal.
