The Scottish Government

Regional Priority Code

Business Viability and Competitiveness Priorities

Relevant Packages

Capital investment in agricultural businesses where the investment will:

FOR01a

a. reduce production costs. Particularly proposals that:

• deliver efficiency and cost savings by modernising infrastructure.

FOR01b

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

• arise from business audit and/or specialist planning
• enhance livestock productivity and the viability of associated businesses in upland areas.

FOR01c

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

• collaborate with others to better market their products, for example through participation in a recognised marketing/promotion scheme
• demonstrate an innovative approach to developing new products
• promote the area as a visitor destination where food and drink is of a high quality
• add value to local produce particularly on or near farm.

FOR01d

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

• meet industry best practice standards.

FOR01e

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

• invest in improved handling facilities
• participate in recognised animal health schemes
• make best use of the latest technical advice and knowledge.

FOR01f

f. facilitate better waste management. Particularly proposals that:

• improve facilities for storage, treatment handling and application of manure and/or slurry (see F16)
• promote participation in waste recycling schemes
• encourage the use of bio-digesters as an innovative approach to dealing with food and animal waste and as a source of sustainable energy.

FOR01g

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
• reduce environmental degradation in designated sites, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and other sites identified as part of the Forth, Tay or Clyde River Basin Management Plans.

FOR02

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

• help new entrants to develop their farm business through capital investment (in buildings, equipment, infrastructure and / or information technology).