News

14 Feb 2019

Scottish farmers benefit from diversification funding

The Scottish government has awarded grants worth £6 million to help farmers and other food businesses add value and diversify through the Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation Fund (FPMC).

Eighteen companies have successfully secured a grant during the latest round of the scheme, which is currently closed for applications.

The highest single award for £808,000 will fund a new business venture setting up a drinks manufacturing facility producing and packaging high-quality beers, ciders, soft drinks and craft spirit brands.

See also: Business grants and schemes 

Other farming businesses that have also benefited from the funding include:

• Aberdeen & Northern Eggs who have secured £715,000 to increase their grading and packing capacity
• Ardler Potato Co-operative who have won £555,000 to establish a potato washing and grading facility that will be used by approximately 10 local growers
• An organic farming business in Berwickshire who have been awarded £70,000 to help develop its on-farm butchery by adding a walk-in freezer, hanging room and new processing equipment.

Rural affairs secretary Fergus Ewing said the ambition was to double the value of Scotland’s’ food and drink industry to £30 billion in the next 12 years, helping establish Scotland as a Good Food Nation.

“The FPMC grant scheme is an important part of that ambition, using joint Scottish government and European Union funding to give local businesses a helping hand, which will ensure the long-term viability of our primary producers, and maximise export markets for our fantastic Scottish produce.”

Please note, The FPMC is currently closed to applicants.

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