Agri-Environment Climate Scheme opens to Scottish farmers
26 January 2021 |
The scheme promotes land management practices which protect Scotland s natural heritage
Scotland’s Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) has now opened for applications, albeit on a limited basis and without detail on what funding will be available.
The restricted round has opened for new applications until 30 June 2021, and farmers are being encouraged to consider applying.
The scheme provides high-levels of support to farmers, crofters and those who undertake environmental land management.
The new funding round will focus on designated sites, organics, management supporting farmland waders, corn buntings and corncrakes, slurry stores and improving public access.
Lapwing are among the species targetted for support under the new AECS round (Pic: Patrick Laurie) Scotland’s 2021 Agri-Environment Climate Scheme has opened for applications, although there is uncertainty over its funding. Following what NFU Scotland described as a concerted effort by itself and other stakeholders, the Scottish Government had confirmed that AECS would open this week, albeit on a limited basis. The union has now called for ScotGov to extend AECS funding in this week’s budget, which is due to be published on Thursday. As things stand, this restricted round of AECS will be open for new applications from now until June 30, with a funding focus on designated sites, organics, management supporting farmland waders, corn buntings and corncrakes, slurry stores and improving public access.