Farm Diversification

In addition, there are now finincial incentives for renewable energy projects through the Feed in Tariff scheme and for woodfuel heat projects through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, Rural Priorities is an integrated funding mechanism which aims to deliver targeted environmental, social and economic benefits.  Regional priorities have been established for 11 regions across Scotland to help in the delivery of the Scottish Government's strategic objectives.  Application for support is competitive to ensure contracts are awarded to the proposals best able to deliver the agreed regional priorities.

Relating to diversification and renewable energy there are now a number of funding options available for rural businesses:

1. Restructuring Agricultural Businesses (including alternative crops and livestock)
2. Short Rotation Coppice Crops of Willow or Poplar
3. Renewable Energy - Agriculture
4. Renewable Energy - Forestry
5. Processing and Marketing of Primary Products
6. Diversification Outwith Agriculture
7. Support for Renewable Energy - Non Land-Based
8. Development/Creation of Micro-Enterprises

 The Feed In Tariff was introduced on the 1st April 2010 and is a scheme to incentivise the installation of small scale, low carbon electricity generation. Producers can get paid a generation tariff (dependent on scal and technology) that is fixed for a set period, up to 25 years and also they can get an export tariff set at 3 p/kWh across the scheme for electricity sold back to the grid.