McArthur to question Ministers on Future Farming Investment Scheme funding allocations 

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur is set to question Scottish Government ministers on the funding allocations made under the Future Farming Investment Scheme later this week. It follows the announcement on Friday about award decisions that have left many farmers in Orkney ‘confused and angry’.

Despite indications given by the Scottish Government that islanders along with new entrants, young farmers and tenanted farmers were due to be prioritised under the scheme, farming businesses in Orkney appear set to receive just 3.48% of funding from 62 grant offers.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said: 

“Scottish Ministers need to explain the basis on which payments have been made under the Future Farming Investment Scheme. Originally, we were told that young farmers, new entrants and islanders were to be prioritised. Looking at who has and has not received awards under the scheme, it’s difficult to see how Ministers can still claim that is the case. 

“Locally, there is a mixture of confusion and anger at the outcome of this process. Many are questioning how decisions have been taken and whether indeed this was the best way of allocating funds previously removed from the agriculture budget by Scottish Ministers.  With no explanation of the decisions, farmers have been left in the dark as to why their applications were rejected. 

“I have already been in contact with the Scottish Government over the weekend to highlight my concerns and will look to raise the matter in parliament later this week.  Farmers need answers as to how on earth the government arrived at these decisions and managed to turn a good news story into such an own goal.”