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 2026 to 2027

The group's priorities are reviewed and agreed on an annual basis. For 2026 to 2027, priorities focus on consolidating progress to date, strengthening delivery pathways, and maintaining a clear and consistent focus on supporting New Entrants and the Next Generation within future agricultural and land use policy.

Priorities represented by permanent FONE group members

• provide a trusted forum to support the co development of policy for New Entrants and the Next Generation, with a particular focus on improving access to land, skills and finance
• provide effective governance and strategic oversight of Scottish Government funded support for New Entrants and the Next Generation, including the Scottish Land Matching Service, Next Generation Practical Training Fund and the Land Based Pre Apprenticeship Programme
• act as a coordinating and brokering forum to maximise opportunities for New Entrants and the Next Generation across publicly owned land, private estates and owner occupied holdings

Priorities represented by council FONE group members

• continue to identify and make available publicly owned land in Scotland for New Entrants, with a target of 800 hectares, focusing on quality, security and suitability of opportunities
• advocate for the importance and visibility of New Entrants and the Next Generation, ensuring their needs are reflected in emerging government and industry policy
• provide a forum to share progress, challenges and learning across government, public bodies and delivery partners
• work with stakeholders to develop a clear and consistent narrative on crofting opportunities, including how to better support and attract New Entrants and Next Generation
• improved promotion and signposting for New Entrants and the Next Generation, including access to practical guidance, case studies, training routes, pathways into land, and fair access to existing and future industry support
• maintain strong ministerial engagement with the FONE Group, ensuring visibility of progress, challenges and opportunities, and supporting informed decision making as policies evolve

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 and Estates
• Ian Davidson, Scottish Land Matching Service
• 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
• Laura Henderson, SRUC
• Stewart Hendry, Forestry Land Scotland
• Tara Wight, Landworkers’ Alliance
• Lantra Scotland 
• Iain Carmichael, Scottish Government, Scottish Ministers Estates
• Bill Dundas, Scottish Government, Scottish Ministers Estates
• Aileen Rore, Scottish Government, Crofting Policy
• Karen MacRae, Crofting Commission
• 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