August 26, 2005

Scotland to spend GBP17 million to improve farming standards

Scotland will be spending more than GBP17 million to improve its farming standards, in a range of activities from animal health and welfare to management of environmentally sensitive habitats.

So far, more than 10,000 farmers have applied for the government's land management contract options, which were introduced this year. 

About 4,000 farmers chose the animal health and welfare measure, with a projected funding of GBP2.50 million, while another 7,500 applicants opted for the quality assurance measure, which now has a projected funding of about GBP850,000.

Both measures are unique to Scotland within the EU.

Ross Finnie, Scotland's rural affairs minister, was heartened by the take-up rate, pointing out that these numbers demonstrate the readiness of its farmers to transform their current working practices in ways that are good for business, environment and the general public.