Support for farm improvements

Five tractors lined up in a field
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People are to be supported to drive forward innovation and knowledge transfer in agriculture, helping businesses contribute to the green economic recovery by farming and crofting more sustainably.

Applications have opened for the next round of the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) for projects aiming to introduce new and innovative approaches in agricultural practice or improve sector knowledge transfer and skills.

This round is supported by up to £1.6 million with up to £150,000 available per project. Applications will be accepted until midnight on 29 April 2022.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“We want to help people in Scotland to farm and croft more sustainably as we work to become a global leader in regenerative agriculture. As we make this transition, we know that change is needed, not least to ensure farming and crofting is low carbon in the future and is contributing to climate change targets.

“KTIF has a significant track record in supporting projects which enable farmers, crofters and land managers to create improved opportunities for nature, adapt to climate change and benefit from new organic farming materials.

“We’ve helped to fund some really exciting projects over the last few years. I would encourage others to apply for share of the fund to play their part in tackling climate change.”

The Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund is delivered through the Scottish Government’s rural budget. The scheme funds knowledge transfer and innovation based projects aligned to EU rural priorities.

The fund promotes skills development and knowledge transfer in the primary agricultural sector. Through providing funding to organisations to deliver vocational training, coaching, workshops, courses and farm visits designed to develop skills and transfer knowledge.  The second aim is to deliver innovation on-the-ground improvements in agricultural competitiveness, resource efficiency, environmental performance and sustainability.  This can be done through projects which generate new insights and innovative ideas, as well as mobilising existing knowledge into practical solutions.

For further information on the KTIF, and how to apply, visit the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund webpage.