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
Scottish Land Matching Service
Scottish Land Matching Service | Opportunities in Scottish Farming
Description
Free service offering a bank of opportunities, joint venture facilitation and associated advice and assistance to existing farmers and landowners seeking an exit strategy/ succession planning and the next generation searching for land availability
Purpose
Finding a way to farm your own farm without a pre-existing family arrangement can be extremely difficult, with land prices and capital requirements being particularly prohibitive. 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 Scottish Land Matching Service. This service provides the next generation with a searchable platform of available opportunities and existing farmers with options for taking a gradual or complete step back from farming, enabling these farms to continue for decades to come.
Contribution to Strategic Outcomes
High Quality Food Production
- Enables farms to continue operating and producing food
Enabling Thriving Rural Communities
- Enables opportunities for the next generation and the continuation of farms sustaining rural communities and the rural economy
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Enables opportunities for the next generation with new methods and ways of thinking
Nature Restoration
- Enables opportunities for the next generation with new methods and ways of thinking
Support for a Just Transition
- Enables opportunities for the next generation with new methods and ways of thinking
Method
Registration via the website
Key dates
Ongoing
Eligibility
- Open to all in the agricultural sector
- Available Scotland wide
Requirements
- N/A
Baseline payment information (2025):
Budget see Next Generation Practical Training Fund
No. of recipients 1,700 enquiries, supported 325 clients and formally matched 70 arrangements
Governed by the FONE group and monitored via quarterly meetings, SLMS provide monthly and annual reports
Contact
Email: CAP.SRDP.Policy@gov.scot