Grants for slurry equipment are now available in Scotland. The Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) opens in Scotland on 26th April and will close on 1st June. The scheme funds farmers, crofters and contractors to invest in covers for slurry stores (including lagoons) and spreading equipment to reduce ammonia emissions. There is a set list of equipment eligible under the scheme. Funding will be 40% (50% in the Highlands and Islands) of the actual costs, up to a maximum ‘standard cost’ for each item (included in the guidance). No second-hand or ex-demo items are eligible. The total amount of grant a farm business can receive per application is is £20,000 and only one application and claim is allowed per funding round. Eligible items include:
- Lagoon and slurry store covers – fixed and floating
- Dribble bar applicators
- Trailing shoe applicators
- Flow rate monitoring slurry application system
- Realtime inline nutrient analysis of slurry
- Shallow injection systems
All applications have to be made online via ‘Manage Applications and Claims Service Portal’. The scheme is competitive and applications will be scored. Priority will be given to applications that deliver the best outcomes for the scheme. ‘Bonus Green Points’ will be given to those who already have a Carbon Audit (prepared within the last 3 years) and a Nutrient Management Plan within the last 5 years. Further information can be found via https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/sustainable-agriculture-capital-grant-scheme–sacgs-/.

As written previously, data on rents can fluctuate annually and one year’s information should not really be taken in isolation. In general, rents have been on an upward trend, but looking to the future it would be expected that, as the BPS is phased-out, then overall rents will fall.
As can be seen land values have remained robust even through the uncertainties of Brexit and Covid. Demand remains strong, with rollover money and lifestyle buyers helping to drive the market.
