Rural Support Plan (RSP) - Annex
The Rural Support Plan as required in terms of s2 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 outlining the expected use by Scottish Ministers during the plan period of the powers conferred on them by s6 of the Act - support within the four tier framework
Next Generation Practical Training Fund
Next Generation Practical Training Fund | Lantra - Scotland
Description
Funding for newcomers to the agricultural sector for practical and business training and skills, up to £500 per course (or more but you must explain the value of the training to you or your business in your application)
Purpose
Finding a way into agriculture as your career without a pre-existing family connection can be difficult given the specialist knowledge and technical skills required. New entrants are the future of agriculture and food production in Scotland, sustaining rural communities and the rural economy. Scottish Government have committed in their Programme for Government to create more opportunities for new entrants to farming, providing a range of support including the Next Generation Practical Training Fund. This Scheme enables the next generation of farmers to obtain the practical and business skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their agricultural careers including in good animal husbandry, sustainable and regenerative farming techniques and how to farm with nature and protect the environment.
Contribution to Strategic Outcomes
High Quality Food Production
- New entrants will be able to acquire skills in high quality food production
- New entrants will be able to acquire skills in protecting and improving animal health and welfare
Enabling Thriving Rural Communities
- The training fund supports new entrants into the sector maintaining rural workforces and populations and aiding continued business viability.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- New entrants will be able to acquire skills in facilitating nature restoration, climate mitigation, and adaption
Nature Restoration
- New entrants will be able to acquire skills in facilitating nature restoration, climate mitigation, and adaption
Support for a Just Transition
- New entrants will be able to acquire skills in sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices
Method
Application via Lantra Scotland and its Skills Hub.
Key dates
Currently open for applications
Eligibility
- You must have started in the agricultural sector within the last five years (the five-year criteria commencing from age 18 onwards, there is no upper age limit)
- You who are undergoing or have just completed formal sector-related education
- Available Scotland wide to those resident in Scotland
Requirements
- You must demonstrate how the course would further your agricultural career
- You cannot apply for more than one course a month
- You must wait for confirmation of funding before you undertake the training
- Funding not available for: training that is a statutory requirement/ an employer requirement for continued employment; equine businesses; HGV licences; SCQF courses level 7+; where existing funding is available
Baseline payment information:
Budget circa £0.5M for new entrant schemes
No. of recipients circa up to 550 per financial year
Governed by the FONE group and individual programme activity is monitored by officials via quarterly meetings and reporting
Contact
Email: CAP.SRDP.Policy@gov.scot