Only 207 of the 596 applications submitted through the Young Farmer Start Up Grant Scheme (YFSUG) have been granted funding, figures released by the Scottish Government have revealed.

The total amount paid out through the scheme to date is £12,751,200. This gives an average payment of £60,900 to eligible young farmers.

Of those granted, 164 went to a new business or holding purchased on the open market, while a further 27 applications were granted to a new business and holding created from the split of an existing holding. The remaining 16 applications granted went to an already established business.

The figures mean that under 35% of all the farmers who made an application through the scheme received grant aid to date.

Low approval rate

When questioned on the low approval rate through the scheme, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We have seen unprecedented demand for the schemes and a high quality of applications that defines the potential of Scotland’s future generation of farmers and crofters.

“But while we increased the budget last year, we have always been clear – it’s not possible to approve all eligible applications.

“We do, however, recognise how important and valued these grants are and, while the schemes are presently closed, we are actively pursuing all options to re-open these, should finances allow.”

Of the total applications that were made through the scheme, the highest number were made in Inverurie (87), Galashiels (84) and Ayr (73).

New entrants

Additionally, there was also a low acceptance of farmers through the New Entrant Start Up Grant (NESUG). Of the 110 applications that were made through the scheme, only 49 proved successful, or 45% of applicants.

Total expenditure through the scheme was approximately £639,500.