The Future Farming Investment Scheme, and What We Can Price For You
Up to £20,000 per business towards new kit you buy and keep. The next round opens in winter 2026 — here is where it stands, what it pays, and the one rule to know before you order anything.
Applications Are Not Open Yet
The Scottish Government announced on 3 August 2026 that the next round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme will open for applications in winter 2026. No opening date has been given yet — if you see one quoted elsewhere, check it on Rural Payments and Services first.
There is £14.25 million in the round, to be shared by at least 725 farming and crofting businesses. The most any one business can receive is £20,000, whatever its size — in 2025 the cap depended on how much land you farmed. The money is allocated for the 2026/27 financial year.
The list of eligible items has not been published. The Scottish Government has said it will be out before the scheme opens, and it will go on this page the day it is.
The last round was open for six weeks, from 14 July to 22 August 2025.
What Share of the Cost You Get
The rate depends on who is applying and what the item does. The £20,000 cap applies whichever rate you get.
| Most applicants | 50% of eligible costs |
|---|---|
| New entrants to farming | Up to 80% |
| Businesses in the Highlands and Islands | Up to 60% |
| Items delivering environmental and nature benefits | Up to 100% |
From the Scottish Government announcement of 3 August 2026. The scheme is run by Rural Payments and Services, not by McCaskie, and its full rules are published there.
Kit You Buy and Keep
The scheme is capital funding for a set list of items, not running costs. The announcement names three areas so far.
Livestock Management Infrastructure
Named in the August announcement. It is the area closest to what we supply — handling, housing and feeding — but nothing is confirmed until the list is out.
Soil Quality
Improving the condition of the soil. Named in the announcement.
Hedgerows
Creating new hedgerow. Named in the announcement.
We will not tell you a particular item qualifies until the eligible items list is out. It is your application, and a guess from us is no use to it. What we can do now is price what you are thinking about, so you know what to apply for.
Three 2025 Rules Worth Knowing Before You Order
The 2026 rules are not published yet. These are the 2025 ones, and they are worth knowing before you order anything.
Do Not Order Before Your Offer
In 2025, ordering or buying an item before you had accepted your Offer of Grant made the application ineligible, and grant already paid had to be repaid with interest. Get a price by all means. Place the order after you have accepted the offer.
Brand New Items Only
Second-hand, ex-demonstration and try-before-you-buy items were not eligible. Whatever you price up for the scheme should be new.
Keep the Invoice and the Proof of Payment
To claim the money, the 2025 scheme wanted the supplier’s invoice showing the items and their serial numbers, and proof of payment from the business named on the offer. Ask for an itemised invoice.
How 2025 Applications Were Scored
The 2025 round was competitive. Applications were scored against the scheme’s aims — business efficiency and sustainability, the environment, lower emissions and adapting to climate change — and some applicants got extra weight.
| Extra weight in 2025 | New entrants (the most), young farmers, businesses under 30 hectares, tenants, island businesses and certified organic producers |
|---|---|
| Priority investments in 2025 | Electronic identification (EID) equipment and water efficiency |
From the 2025 scheme guidance on Rural Payments and Services. Priority raised a score but did not guarantee a grant, and the 2026 scoring has not been published.
Three Things Worth Doing Before Winter
None of these commits you to anything.
Know What to Apply For
The scheme asks you to apply only for the amount the investment needs. A written price from us tells you what that is. It costs nothing, and you can hold it until the round opens.
Check Your Rural Payments Registration
The 2025 round was open only to businesses registered with Rural Payments and Services. If yours is not, or the details are out of date, sort it now rather than in the week applications open. That part we cannot do for you.
Be Ready for a Short Window
The 2025 round was open for six weeks and drew 7,582 applications seeking over £77 million against a budget of £21.4 million. Have your price and your plan ready before it opens.
We supply and price the kit. We do not submit applications and are not advisers on the scheme — that is Rural Payments and Services, and your own business adviser.
Tell Us What You Are Thinking About
Use the form below and we will come back with a written price you can plan your application around. Nothing is ordered until you say so — and for the scheme, not until you have accepted your offer.
The Scheme, Asked and Answered
When does the Future Farming Investment Scheme open?
The next round opens for applications in winter 2026. The Scottish Government announced it on 3 August 2026 but has not yet given a date. The previous round was open from 14 July to 22 August 2025.
How much is the Future Farming Investment Scheme grant?
Up to £20,000 per business, whatever its size. Most applicants get 50% of eligible costs; new entrants can get up to 80%, businesses in the Highlands and Islands up to 60%, and items delivering environmental and nature benefits up to 100%.
What can the grant be used for?
A set list of capital items, which has not been published for the 2026 round yet. The announcement names improving soil quality, creating hedgerows and upgrading livestock management infrastructure.
Can I buy the equipment now and claim the grant later?
No. In the 2025 round, ordering or buying an item before accepting your Offer of Grant made the application ineligible, and only brand new items qualified. Get a price now and order once you have accepted the offer.
Who got priority in the last round?
In 2025, applications were scored and new entrants got the most extra weight, followed by young farmers, businesses under 30 hectares, tenants, island businesses and certified organic producers. EID equipment and water efficiency were priority investments. The 2026 scoring has not been published.
Do I need a quote to apply?
The 2025 round did not ask for quotes with the application. It asked for the supplier's invoice, showing the items and serial numbers, and proof of payment when you claimed. A price still tells you how much to apply for.
Does McCaskie apply for the grant for me?
No. Applications go to Rural Payments and Services, who run the scheme. We price the kit, supply it once your offer is accepted, and give you an itemised invoice for your claim.
Talk It Through With Your Rep
We have eight representatives, and every one of them is a qualified SQP. Yours can walk the shed with you and work out what is worth pricing before the round opens. It is a conversation, not a sales call.