Future Farming Investment Scheme Eligibility

Future Farming Investment Scheme is competitive and you may not receive the funding you apply for. Full details can be found here.

Who can apply

You’re eligible if all of the following apply:

  • You’re a farmer or crofter
  • Your business meets the legal definition of “farmer” undertaking an “agricultural activity” (see Annex G of the guidance)
  • You’re registered and approved for funding with Scottish Government Rural Payments & Inspections Division (SGRPID)
    • New businesses that have submitted a Single Application Form (SAF) by 15 May can apply before full approval, but no Offer of Grant will be issued until SGRPID confirms your funding eligibility.
  • You submitted a SAF to claim funding by 15 May, declaring at least 3 ha of eligible agricultural land (excluding common grazing shares) on that SAF.
  • Whole Farm Plan (WFP) audits and plans:
    • If you claimed BPS, you must have declared at least two WFP audits/plans on your SAF by 15 May.
    • If you didn’t claim BPS but are on other schemes without a WFP requirement, you must have those two WFP audits/plans by the time you submit evidence of your completed investment.

Who cannot apply

You’re not eligible if you fall into any of these categories:

  • Non-departmental public bodies, local authorities or Crown bodies
  • Groups of farmers/crofters (including producer organisations or common grazing committees)
  • Businesses that let out all their land
  • Equine-only businesses (e.g. grazing horses) or agricultural contractors
  • Agricultural businesses that provided false or misleading information in a capital grant application/claim in the last five years
  • Plus: crofters cannot apply for FFIS support on the same investment type already approved (but unclaimed) under CAGS, nor vice-versa for 2025 funding.

Ineligible costs and uses

Even if you meet all of the above, FFIS funding cannot cover:

  • Labour, fitting/installation, consumables, running costs or delivery charges
  • VAT (unless you’re not VAT-registered), professional fees, training, subscriptions, warranties or insurance
  • Computer hardware/software (PCs, printers, etc.), fuel, water, power supplies or repair/maintenance costs
  • Any items paid via hire-purchase, leasing, or other HP/finance arrangements
  • Investments used for contracting activities, or anything purchased before Offer of Grant acceptance or not brand-new from a supplier/manufacturer