NFU Scotland are calling for the rules defining new entrants to be examined following the announcement that the Young Farmers Start-Up and New Entrants Start-Up Grants will not be re-opened for future applications.

Writing to the Scottish Government, NFU Scotland voiced the concerns shared by both the NFUS Next Generation working group and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ Agri-Affairs Committee that under the existing rules a significant number of new farm businesses are being discounted from national grant schemes.

This means that many future farmers who have already gained valuable experience are not receiving support.

In the letter to Fergus Ewing, NFUS Next Generation chair, Mark Donald, said: “Surely the levels of demand are indicative of a real enthusiasm from the next generation of Scotland’s farmers and crofters to get a foothold in the industry.

“The demand for this funding was not unanticipated and in our letter to Mr Ewing we have asked for further discussion on the allocation of funds to these grant programmes as being undeniably necessary.”