Farming opportunities for new entrants (FONE)

Overview

This group was set up to develop a farming opportunities for new entrants programme. The group was established in 2016.

Priorities for 2025 to 2026

The priorities of FONE are divided into two subsections.  Priorities are agreed and updated on an annual basis.

Priorities represented by Permanent FONE Group Members:

1. Provide a forum to discuss and support the co-development of New Entrant policy, including development of the Future Farm Investment Scheme.
2. Provide complementary governance of New Entrant support provided by the Scottish Government. This includes: the Scottish Land Matching Service, Next Generation Practical Training Fund, Land-based Pre-apprenticeship Programme.
3. Continue beyond the public sector and engage with private estates and owner occupiers in Scotland to explore further New Entrant opportunities.

Priorities represented by Council FONE Group Members:

4. Identify and make available 800 hectares of publicly owned land in Scotland to New Entrants.
5. Advocate the importance and prominence of New Entrants in the sector. Ensuring the interests of New Entrants and the Next Generation are represented in future governmental and non-governmental policy.
6. To provide a council to share progress, challenges, and opportunities across a range of government and non-governmental support for New Entrants in Scotland.
7. Work with stakeholders to develop a consistent narrative of what is possible in terms of making best use of Crofts and attracting New Entrants.
8. Highlight promotional material to include: guidance, support, case studies, and signposting for New Entrants and the Next Generation.
9. Maintain Cabinet Secretary and Ministerial engagement with the FONE group.

Members

Membership of the FONE Group based on position in their respective organisation, expertise and knowledge required to take this work forward.

Chairperson - Henry Graham

Permanent FONE Group Membership: 

• Al Walker – National Farmers Union Scotland
• Stephen Young – Scottish Land & Estates
• Ian Davidson – Scottish Land Matching Service
• Jenny Murtagh – Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club
• Lee-Ann Sutherland – James Hutton Institute
• Jack Dalziel – Scottish Government
• Mary Thomson – SRUC
• Rod MacKenzie – Crofting Commission

Council FONE Group Membership:

• Caroline Wood – Farm Advisory Service
• Lily Reade – Farm Advisory Service
• Laura Henderson – SRUC
• Stewart Hendry – Forestry Land Scotland
• Tara Wight – Landworkers’ Alliance
• Iain Carmichael – Scottish Government, Scottish Ministers Estates
• Bill Dundas – Scottish Government, Scottish Ministers Estates
• Aileen Rore – Scottish Government, Crofting Policy
• Karen MacRae – Crofting Commission
• Liz Barron-Majerik – Lantra Scotland
• Rachel Newton – Scottish Water
• James MacKessack-Leitch – Scottish Land Commission
• Fiona Simpson – Crown Estate Scotland
• Susi Stuehlinger – Scottish Crofting Federation
• Alan Robertson – Scottish Government, Scottish Rural Network
• Jack Orr

Publications