SRDP 2015-2020 Timetable Published

The Scottish Government has published a timetable for the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2015-2020, confirming that applications will open early next year. 

While SRDP is still subject to final European approval, the first schemes will open in January, with Forestry grant applications to open in March. The new timetable is outlined as follows:

• Forestry: Open to applications from March 2015, and these submitted and assessed as normal with contracts and payments issuing after SRDP approval.
• LFASS: Applications submitted and assessed through Single Application Form in May 2015 as part of the usual CAP claim system, with payments being made in spring 2016.
• Agri-environment: Will open in March 2015 with contracts likely to issue in autumn 2015. To safeguard key habitats and species, some priority multi-annual agri-environment contracts due to expire in 2014 are being renewed.
• Food and Drink: Open it to applications on March 1, 2015 and look to issue contracts and payments as soon as possible.
• Farm capital investment schemes (crofters, small farmers and new entrants): Open to applications in January 2015 due to some of these investments being linked to young farmers, who have an age cut-off which obliges applicants to submit their application for support prior to their 41st birthday.
• Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) and Environmental Cooperative Action Fund: Will likely open to applications in early 2015, with contracts issued after SRDP approval
• LEADER: Local Action Groups (LAGs) will be able to commence work to develop projects with partners for consideration and approval from spring 2015 onwards.
• Scottish Rural Network: Is ongoing and will continue during the SRDP approval process.
• Beef Efficiency Scheme: Will launch in 2016.
• Advisory Service: Will launch in 2016.
• Broadband fund: Opening in spring 2015, delivered by Community Broadband Scotland as part of a wider package of support.

The SRDP is the programme that delivers Pillar 2 of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It funds economic, environmental and social measures for the benefit of rural Scotland, including a range of grants for woodland creation, agroforestry, tree health, woodland improvement, processing and marketing and sustainable management of forests. The SRDP is co-funded by the European Commission and the Scottish Government

Further guidance and information on the scheme is available from the Scottish Government website.