Scottish Government has released details of the latest application round for the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) despite hundreds of farmers still waiting to hear the outcome of their 2017 applications.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the next round of applications for the scheme will open in 2018.
Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, Ms Cunningham said applications for agri-environment, diffuse pollution and organic schemes will open in January, and a round for improving public access is expected to open in March.
She said the 2017 application round was currently being assessed, and more than 960 rural businesses are expected to be awarded funding of £58million in due course.
“I am pleased to confirm that we will be accepting new applications for the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme from January,” she added.
“AECS supports a range of measures which will create a greener and more prosperous environment, including improving water quality, managing flood risk and protecting our iconic species and habitats. Crucially, it also supports the aims of our Climate Change Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farming.”
She urged all farmers, crofters and land managers to consider applying for the scheme to “realise the environmental and economic benefits of low carbon farming”.
Ms Cunningham also confirmed that all payments made under the AECS scheme will be honoured for the full five years.
“I am aware that a hard Brexit would heavily impact sections of Scottish agriculture, including exposing the sector to both high tariffs and loss of subsidy support,” added Ms Cunningham.
“Going forward, we want to see a more inclusive approach to Brexit negotiations, which includes the Scottish Government at the negotiation table.”
