The Scottish Government

Priority Code

Business Viability and Competitiveness Priorities

Relevant Packages

1. Capital investment in agricultural businesses where the investment will:

OHE01a

a. reduce production costs. Particularly proposals that:

• increase efficiency of the business (particularly livestock production) by reducing costs of production.

OHE01b

b. enhance the productivity of the business. Particularly proposals that:

• enhance livestock productivity and the viability of associated businesses in the Outer Hebrides
• promote bringing underused land into productive use.

OHE01c

c. make the business better able to respond to market demand. Particularly applicants that:

• are participating in a recognised marketing scheme or promotion scheme that involves an Outer Hebrides product
• demonstrate an innovative approach to developing new products and a strong identity for food and drink derived from the Outer Hebrides
• take part in market research and direct marketing activities in the Outer Hebrides and beyond.

OHE01d

d. enhance the quality of the commodities produced by the business. Particularly proposals that:

• will add value to local produce within or beyond the Outer Hebrides.

OHE01e

e. maintain and improve animal health and welfare standards. Particularly applicants who:

• participate in recognised animal health schemes
• make best use of best practice utilising the latest technical advice and knowledge
• proposals for appropriate small scale woodlands in particular those close to communities that demonstrably benefit livestock with shelter and fit with the Western Isles Woodland Strategy.

OHE01f

f. facilitate better waste management. Particularly proposals that:

• involve the use of an innovative approach to waste management, e.g. enhanced/collaborative use of bio-digesters which deal with food and animal waste and as a source of sustainable energy; improved storage, handling and application of manure
• encourage participation in collaborative waste recycling schemes, e.g. farm plastics recycling initiatives
• facilitate the localised re-use and recycling of waste arisings.

OHE01g

g. mitigate farm pollution and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions (in specific areas - see "Water and Soils"). Particularly proposals that:

• use an innovative approach to dealing with food and animal waste
• prevent or remedy environmental degradation within identified designated sites including in or adjacent to SSSI's, and other sites such as those water bodies identified as at risk (including category 1A) in the West Highland River Basin Management Plan or designated shellfish waters.

OHE02

A viable, competitive or sustainable farming sector, through encouraging new entrants to restructure or modernised farm businesses. Particularly proposals that:

• encourage new entrants to provide or upgrade buildings and associated structures, necessary equipment, infrastructure or information technology as well as associated fees and working capital, where it can be shown that these investments: