The Scottish Government has guaranteed funding for practical farm research in 2017 and unveiled a package of new money for its land reform agenda.
Overall funding for land reform will be increased by £3.4 million, while the existing Scottish Land Fund budget, which supports communities in their bid to purchase land, will be maintained at £10 million.
The additional funding will support the introduction of new measures which offer greater transparency around land ownership in Scotland for communities, tenants and land owners.
Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “Scotland’s land is one of our most prized and valuable resources and has the potential to be a real driver for social justice. The further powers contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 will help to ensure that we use our land to its full potential.
“Today we are reaffirming our commitment to provide £10 million for the Scottish Land Fund, which supports a diverse range of urban and rural community groups to purchase and take control of their own land, making their communities stronger, resilient and more sustainable.”
Funding for agricultural research projects
Meanwhile Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing guaranteed the continuation of funding for research projects.
The money is part of a £50million programme of research into the environment and agriculture which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Scottish farming.
A new test for tickborne fever in sheep, the effect of cow health on milk nutrients and identification of potato varieties with resistance to late blight are among the research projects benefiting Scottish farming.
The projects include the development of a new molecular test for tickborne fever which is a sizeable hidden cost to the livestock industry, a study into levels of selenium in milk to ensure the selection of cows with optimal mineral status – leading to healthier cows and healthier milk and the identification of potato varieties with resistance to the late potato blight genes to help improve resistance to a potato disease that causes the loss of entire crops.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Identifying ways to help farmers and crofters improve efficiency on the farm is a key way for us to invest in the future of the industry.
“We fund a significant amount of research which can make a difference at a practical level. New tests for tickborne fever in sheep, improving potato resistance to late blight and helping farmers to select the best cows for milk production can all help make our crops and livestock healthier. That in turn can boost sustainability, productivity and profitability of farm businesses.
“We will continue to harness Scotland’s first class research abilities to support our farming industry and maximise the contribution it makes to our economy.”
