Scottish Rural Development Programme 2014-2020: Evaluation of Capital Grant Schemes: Annex B - Survey data

9 Final comments

Final comments

Many of the final comments made by farmers and crofters reiterated points already captured in the survey write-up and have not been repeated in this final section.

Additional points raised include that:

• crofters emphasise the important lifeline that the CAGS provides – it is invaluable and helps to keep the tradition alive. It has been a good way to help crofters improve their holding and keeps people employed in local areas. Some added crofting was not viable without grant aid.
• funding support for new entrants and small producers is also vitally important – rising costs and squeezed margins are mentioned in survey responses.
• future grant support should focus on food production and food security.
• small farmers expressed disappointment that the SFGS had come to an end – even though the household income criteria acted as a barrier for some (and needed revisited).
• there is a perception that the grant schemes have at times favoured larger farms.
• SG could involve farmers and crofters in the design and/or testing of any new application and claims processes to ensure it is easily understood and fit-for-purpose.
• it is important that farmers and crofters receive feedback on any unsuccessful grant applications from SG – it takes time and effort to complete forms, and constructive feedback could help inform subsequent applications.
• eligibility criteria for any new grant schemes should draw on lessons learned from the capital grant schemes – for example, NECGS – there could be a mechanism for new entrants who may be outwith the five years rule are considered given the time between schemes. Consideration could be given to supporting those who cannot get a five year tenancy on land – given that there is a shortage of young people coming into the industry, as well as considering funding mobile equipment for those who can only access seasonal land may be the help they need to then fund a longer-term tenancy.

Survey respondent quotes

“The Grant Schemes are an integral part of support in maintaining a rural population whilst producing food and enhancing the environment”.

"If there are no farmers/crofters there is no food".

“The application forms are too generic, repetitive, and long winded. Leaving applicants wondering which questions, if any, are relevant to the application they are making. Get ordinary working crofters to draw up a simple application form”.

Would you like to be informed about publication of evaluation report

A total of 93 survey respondents indicated that they would like to receive a link to the final evaluation report when it is published by the Scottish Government – all but two provided an email address.