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Specialist Advice Programme Offers Tailored Support for Scotland’s Farmers and Crofters
Tailored guidance helps Scotland’s farmers and crofters boost resilience, sustainability, and long‑term planning.
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS), funded by the Scottish Government, has launched renewed opportunities for farmers and crofters to access specialist advice designed to strengthen resilience, improve sustainability, and support long-term business planning.
The initiative, which provides funding for up to two specialist advice reports per business, is aimed at helping rural enterprises tackle challenges ranging from animal welfare to climate change adaptation.
The programme covers a wide spectrum of topics, reflecting the diverse needs of Scotland’s agricultural sector. Farmers and crofters can apply for advice in areas such as animal health and welfare, ensuring livestock management meets regulatory standards while improving quality of life for animals and work-life balance for producers. Guidance can include feeding plans, breeding strategies, and housing design.
Other options include archaeological and historic advice, supporting sensitive land management in line with legal requirements, and biodiversity and habitat management, which helps businesses enhance ecological resilience through habitat creation and restoration.
Climate-related support is also central to the scheme. Businesses can access carbon audit action plans to follow up on earlier assessments, alongside climate change adaptation and mitigation advice. This includes strategies for energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and land management to cope with droughts or flooding.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by crofting communities, the programme offers a Crofter’s Plan. This provides a comprehensive business review covering environmental sustainability, finances, and legislative status. The plan is designed to identify strengths and weaknesses while offering tailored advice to secure the future of crofting enterprises.
For small farms and new entrants, specialist advice can also focus on business efficiency, organics, and resilience planning. These options provide professional analysis of finances, diversification opportunities, and strategies to withstand market volatility or personal circumstances.
Improving soil health remains a priority. Farmers can access soil and nutrient management advice, covering fertiliser planning, slurry management, and erosion prevention. This is intended to boost productivity while enhancing carbon content and long-term sustainability.
Succession planning is another critical area. The programme offers expert guidance to help families navigate one of the most difficult stages of running a business. Advice includes financial viability assessments, retirement options, legal considerations, and tax implications, ensuring smooth transitions between generations.
Water management advice is also available, addressing issues such as water scarcity, flood prevention, and pollution reduction. Recommendations may include wetland creation, water storage, and buffer zones to protect watercourses.
The Scottish Government will fund up to £1,600 per specialist advice option, with each business eligible for two reports. From July 2024, restrictions were reset, meaning businesses that had previously completed two reports can reapply for the same level of support.
Eligibility extends to all farming and crofting businesses registered with Scotland’s Rural Payments and Services and holding a Business Reference Number (BRN). Applicants can choose from over 130 qualified organisations delivering advice, ensuring flexibility and access to expertise across multiple disciplines.
By offering targeted support, the Specialist Advice programme aims to help Scotland’s rural businesses adapt to changing conditions, improve efficiency, and secure long-term sustainability. Whether through enhancing animal welfare, tackling climate challenges, or planning for succession, the initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening the backbone of Scotland’s rural economy.
Applications can be made online, with further details available through the Farm Advisory Service. For many farmers and crofters, this programme represents not just an opportunity for immediate improvements, but a pathway to building resilience for generations to come.
