Agri-Environment Climate Scheme to open on limited basis 30 December 2020 | The scheme promotes land management practices which protect Scotland's natural heritage Scottish farmers have welcomed the announcement that the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) will open to applications in January, albeit on a limited basis. The AECS scheme provides vital support to farmers, crofters and those who undertake environmental land management. It follows a concerted effort by Scottish farming industry bodies to ensure continuity of the scheme. In November, 11 prominent farming, crofting and environmental organisations called for an urgent decision in favour of continuity for AECS. Now the Scottish government has announced that it will open a restricted round for new applications on 25 January 2021 and close after an extended application period on 30 June 2021.