News
Royal Highland Show Report – A busy four days!
Smallholding Scotland made its debut at this years RHS, with a small stand in the Lifestyle Village where we were delighted to see many new faces as well as some more familiar ones. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us and to those who bought memberships and tickets. We are already thinking about next year in the hope that we will be able to find a spot nearer to the agricultural heart of the show. Watch this space!
Looking back on the show, the team noted the great enthusiasm of the showing, and were delighted to see many stalwarts of the Festival showing making a great impression in the competitions. Festival competitors were seen in many of the sheep rings as well as the Goat competition, and friendly faces were in the Honey tent as well as some of the trade stands. Our sponsors Lantra were out in force as were SRUC and RBST Scotland; also friends of the Festival SAOS.
The Scottish Government were also busy! The range of announcements made at the Royal Highland Show were, on the face of it, good news for smallholders. A lot of the announcements were driven by the net zero agenda which has been high in profile over recent times. But the first big announcement was about what the government were NOT going to do: no mandatory cut in livestock numbers. An agreement on the goal from the climate change committee, but disagreement on the road map.
Part of the answer lies in the newly published code for sustainable and regenerative agriculture which can be found here:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/code-practice-sustainable-regenerative-agriculture/documents/
The Scottish Government hope that the code will provide guidance and practical examples of sustainable and regenerative practices which work for all.
The launch of the Future Farm Investment Scheme, a £14m investment in capital support to help agricultural businesses improve efficiency and invest in nature and climate friendly farming. The scheme will provide upfront payments of up to £20,000 and at 100% grant rate. For smallholders and crofters with up to 30 hectares however the fund will only supply a maximum of £5,000. Details are here:
https://www.gov.scot/news/future-farming-investment-scheme/
The scheme will open for applications from the 14th of July. Under the Scheme, new entrants, young farmers, small units and tenants will receive priority support.
The Government have also ring-fenced £140,000 for a new Small Producer Practical Training Fund, giving micro-businesses the skills and resilience to thrive on their own terms.
The Festival in 2025 is going to have a renewed focus on cattle for small farms. With the current market strength of the Beef market, and a shortfall in the national herd, it is an area that smallholders should consider. The government recognised the importance of small suckler cow herds in some of the most remote areas – cows deliver for biodiversity, landscapes, they help to sustain people and deliver socio economic benefits.
Lots to digest therefore, but a clear positive direction.
Once again thanks to all for your support.
