There are a range of evolving issues and challenges facing Scottish agriculture, so it is key that the 20,435 small producers and 22,000 crofts in Scotland can access the right training to enable them to adapt to future challenges, including meeting net zero and biodiversity goals. It is particularly important that small producers have access to improved knowledge, knowhow to build the skills they need to adapt to a changing environment.
The Small Producers Practical Training Fund aim to support eligible small producers and staff (including young people aged 13 and over) or businesses directly supporting eligible small producers. It will do this by providing individuals with the ability to access opportunities to increase their practical agricultural/horticulture and business skills, along with sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
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What kind of courses can I apply for?
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Courses eligible for funding are badged as such in Skills Hub Scotland. On a case-by-case basis, we are happy to consider individual modules or units from full-time courses, if they relate to agricultural production. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training here.
Training outwith Scotland will be supported if there is no Scotland-based equivalent.
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Who is eligible to apply?
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The Small Producers Practical Training Fund offers financial support to those resident in Scotland who have an eligible course they want to undertake and who:
• would have been unable to undertake training without financial support.
• are unable to have undertaken a reasonable amount of training already as they are not the head of the business.
There is no upper age limit for applicants to the Small Producers Training Fund applicants but must be aged 13 and above as the small producer sector attracts both mature small producers changing career, young people working at home on the family small holding and school leavers. -
Criteria for applications
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You must:
• Live or work on a holding no larger than 30 hectares, excluding common grazing. There is no lower limit on the hectarage.
• Be economically active with an annual turnover under £2 million.
• Hold a valid Business Reference Number (BRN) or flock number if you are a landless keeper.
• Employ fewer than 10 people, including seasonal and self-employed workers (excluding apprentices and volunteers).
• Or be a paid worker, volunteer or family member of a small producer business.
• Have a primary business producing food or drink for public consumption, or fibre for sale including horticulture and local processing.
• Or be a business directly supporting small producers and be delivering solutions for small producers, applications from these sources will require to prove their relationship.
• Be based in Scotland. -
Funding
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- 100% funding is available for training up to the value of £500 per course
- You can apply for training that is more than £500, but you will have to fully explain the value of the training to you or your business in your application form
- Additional travel and accommodation costs will be offered to women and girls living on islands, or in remote rural areas, where the additional costs could prevent them from attending the training
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What will NOT be funded
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You will not be funded if:
• Training is a statutory requirement for your continuing employment;
• You work for a large business which should arguably be paying for your training;
• You work in Horticulture including market gardens where there is no financial activity in the enterprise or plan for future financial activity;
• You work in an Equine business which does not undertake agricultural or small producer activity;
• You work in Wildlife/conservation activity which will not use skills in relation to an agricultural or small producer business;
• You cannot clearly demonstrate how the training course would improve your current position in seeking employment in the agricultural or small producer community; and
• Where other existing funding is available and/or appropriate.If you would like guidance on your eligibility, what you can apply for, or any part of the funding application process, email us.
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How much can I apply for?
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Funding for 100% of costs is available for training up to the value of £500 per course.
Applications for training over the value of £500 will still be accepted and will be assessed depending on the value to the individual or business. They will be discussed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Review Panel.
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How quickly will I hear back from you?
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Applications over £500 and those which require further discussion will be considered at our monthly Review Panel meetings.
At the latest, we will aim give you a decision within five working days of the panel meeting. We may ask you for more information so we can look at your application again at a future meeting.
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FAQs
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Can I apply for more than one course?
You can only apply for one course each month, but you can apply for different courses over several months.
What courses are eligible?
Courses eligible for funding are those which carry the Small Producers badge. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training here.
Can I get funding for a test?
Because this is a training fund, it doesn’t cover standalone tests, but you can apply for funding if your training course includes an assessment or test.
What happens if I am unable to attend the course?
If you fail to attend training with no reasonable notice, you may be liable for the full costs of the replacement booking.
Who will assess my application?
Our Review Panel is made up of a representative from the Scottish Government (which is funding the training), together with representatives from Lantra Scotland who have knowledge of accredited training and delivery. Where required, the panel will draw on internal and external specialist advice.
Is there a deadline for completing the training?
Once we confirm that you are getting funding, you have six months to complete the training. In exceptional circumstances this may be extended.
Is there anything else I need to know before applying?
You can find the full terms and conditions for applications made through the Skills Hub here.
Applying for the fund
Apply for the Small Producers fund here.