Holyrood and others are facing fresh demands to publish more details about future agricultural investment plans after Conservative MSPs said SNP and Green Party members had blocked amendments aimed at making grants more transparent.
The row follows the final stages of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill passed by MSPs last week. An amendment tabled by Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MPs Jamie Halcro-Johnston and Douglas Ross failed to gain support.
The proposals would have required ministers to publish more information about how decisions are made under the Future Agricultural Investment Scheme and provide clearer feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
The Future Agriculture Investment Scheme was launched as a competitive capital grant aimed at supporting farm and farm investments linked to climate and biodiversity objectives.
Applications opened in summer 2025 and funded a wide range of equipment and infrastructure improvements.
Demand for this system was high. More than 7,500 applications were submitted, after which ministers increased funding. In total, around £21 million was awarded to over 1,600 successful candidates.
However, 47% of applications were deemed ineligible, sparking dissatisfaction among farmers and crop traders who had hoped for assistance.
Halcro Johnston, the party’s shadow agriculture, connectivity and islands minister, said the stage three amendments would require ministers to publish full details about the scheme and future environmental funding programmes.
Douglas Ross tabled another amendment requiring unsuccessful applicants to explain why they missed out on funding, with a promise to improve the system in future rounds.
His proposals also call for confirmation on whether a computerized system is used to assess applications, something the Conservatives say ministers have repeatedly refused to clarify.
The Scottish Government defended its handling of the system and opposed the changes, arguing that there was no need for statutory reporting requirements and that steps had already been taken to improve communication with applicants.
Jamie Halcro-Johnston said: “This flagship SNP program has been thrown into complete disarray.”
He added: “Many applicants were hopeful of winning this vital funding, but almost half were told they were not eligible.”
Douglas Ross said those who failed needed clearer answers. “Those deemed ineligible for this scheme have a right to know why they were turned away, but SNP ministers have not told us anything,” he said.
He added: “With 47% of all applications deemed ineligible, something has gone horribly wrong.”
Industry groups also recognize the importance of continued investment in agricultural infrastructure and environmental protection, but have expressed concerns about how results are communicated.
Questions remain about how the Scottish Government will handle future funding rounds, including whether changes will be made to eligibility rules, application guidance and feedback processes.
Both MSPs said they would continue to press ministers to learn lessons from the scheme and ensure future funding reaches those most in need, including newcomers, tenant farmers and island communities.
