The Scottish government has launched a small producers fund with the aim of helping small producers become more sustainable.
The Small Producers Pilot Fund has been allocated over £180,000 to assist small producers and crofters to establish more localised supply chains and cut food miles.
The fund has been co-designed with the Small Producer Steering Group to ensure that small producers are not left behind as part of efforts as Scotland moves towards a “just transition”, the government said.
The funding will be used to:
- Support two small-scale abbatoir projects;
- Establish a new information resource webpage for small producers;
- Develop a framework to assess small producers data;
- Procure a service to deliver training courses for small producers.
Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The Small Producers Pilot Fund will help small producers grow their businesses and facilitate the growth of a more diverse and resilient food and drink industry.
“This pilot marks the start of our wider efforts to help small producers move to more green and sustainable production methods.
“The Scottish government remains committed to supporting small producers and empowering them to play a key role in making our Vision for Agriculture a reality.”
Scottish Land Commission
Last week, parliamentary approval was obtained for the proposed new chair and two land commissioners of the Scottish Land Commission (SLC).
The role of the Scottish Land Commission is to advise the Scottish government on an ongoing programme of land reform and to provide leadership for change in culture and practice.
Ministers selected Michael Russell as the new chair of the SLC, and Craig MacKenzie and Deborah Roberts as land commissioners.
The appointments come following recommendations presented by an independent panel. In line with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, ministerial appointments to the SLC are subject to parliamentary approval.
The appointment of the chair and land commissioners will be confirmed and publicised early in the new year once the public appointments process is completed, the Scottish government said.
