The deadline for receiving applications for current starter farm opportunities has past. Details of future opportunities will be posted on this page when they become available.
A unique opportunity
Forestry Commission Scotland is offering new entrants to farming a unique opportunity to help get their business started.
- Background
- Who can apply?
- Lease duration
- How to apply
The Selection Process and Panel - Current Opportunities
- Working for the next generation of farmers
- Partners/Useful links
Background
New entrants to farming were first offered the chance to lease part-time ‘starter farm’ units on the National Forest Estate as part of a pilot initiative introduced in January 2012.
The initiative was developed to complement the Commission’s woodland creation activity, which delivers a vital part of Scottish Ministers’ climate change programme. It was designed to test a new way of using opportunities that arise on the National Forest Estate to provide much sought after openings for new entrants.
Additionally, the initiative complements FCS' wider commitment to maximising the integrated land use opportunities on the National Forest Estate.
Successful applicants lease the land from Forest Enterprise Scotland (Forestry Commission Scotland’s agency that manages the National Forest Estate) under a Limited Duration Tenancy (LDT).
It is hoped that successful applicants will gain valuable experience in managing their on farm business on a small scale before moving on to larger scale operations at the end of their lease period.
Following the success of the pilot scheme trialled in the first part of 2012, which saw two new farmers taking up tenancies in Fife, the scheme is being rolled out with opportunities being announced as and when they become available across the National Forest Estate.
Who can apply?
We are looking for applicants with some agricultural experience, but that currently have no permanent land holding. Applications from existing farm businesses will not be considered. The applicant could however be related to an active farmer but their tenure at this opportunity must not be connected to any other business.
The applicant will need to demonstrate how this opportunity allows the development of a new farming unit. We recognise the value of having built some business capital and experience and therefore it is also feasible that the applicant may undertake existing limited agricultural activity, on seasonal grazings for instance.
Where any dubiety over eligibility may occur the onus is on the applicant to justify their eligibility to FCS and in all cases the final decision on eligibility will lie with the Assessment Panel..
Interested applicants submit an application where we will look for:
- Enthusiasm for and knowledge of the agricultural industry, and some awareness of the woodland sector.
- Willingness to work with Forestry Commission Scotland to explore how agriculture and forestry can be more closely integrated on the National Forest Estate.
- Some agricultural experience, which may include a period of time spent at a further education or agricultural institute.
- The foresight to identify and exploit new rural or land-based enterprises and business opportunities.
- A sufficient understanding of financial and business management including cash flows, budgets and a rent tender.
- Evidence of sufficient capital for the venture.
- A desire to work in a way that promotes equality.
Lease Duration
Applicants have the chance to lease holdings under a Limited Duration Tenancy (LDT) agreement.
It is intended that successful applicants will gain valuable experience in managing and growing their farm business, enabling them to move on to larger scale operations at the end of their lease period, freeing the unit for further new entrants.
Forestry Commission Scotland recognises that the duration of lease might be dependent upon the type of farming and applicant’s investment proposals.
How to apply
Details of future opportunities will be posted on this page when they become available.
The Selection Process and Panel
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has a wide range of objectives it has to achieve in its management of Scotland’s national forest estate. To select a suitable candidate we are evaluate and score a range of factors that demonstrate this broader range of objectives.
Applicants are required to complete Forms A and B (available with the applications pack – see How to Apply section), along with their business plan. These will be scored against an agreed matrix by the panel and with short list of the best candidates then being called for an interview.
All applicants will be able to visit the farms on an arranged viewing date prior to the application closing date.
Rynaclach Selection Panel -
- Gordon Donaldson - Forest District Manager, FCS
- Peter Clark - Area Land Agent, FCS
- Robin Waddell - Agricultural Advisor, FCS
- Henry Graham - Farmer & FCS National Committee member
- Andy Paterson - SGRPID
- Daye Tucker - Carbeth Home Farm
Glenside Selection Panel -
- Rob Soutar - Forest District Manager, FCS
- Stephen Fell - Area Land Agent, FCS
- Robin Waddell - Agricultural Advisor, FCS
- Henry Graham - Farmer & FCS National Committee member
- Gregor Caldwell - SGRPID
- Henry Murdoch - Torr Farm
Current Opportunities
- Rynaclach, Port of Mentieth, Aberfoyle
- Glenside, Kirkmichael, South Ayrshire
Working for the next generation of farmers
Forestry Commission Scotland’s Starter Farm initiative is part of a wider commitment to developing opportunities for new entrants across Scotland.
Scottish Land & Estates, NFU Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and The Crown Estate are developing a joint initiative to help accelerate the number of new people going into agricultural and rural land-based businesses across the country.
The joint initiative will look at a broader range of opportunities than just facilitating traditional tenancies. It aims to match opportunity with demand, and generate new ways to enter the sector.
Options under consideration include:
- Developing a mechanism to identify potential new entrants, their specific needs/skills and to then match them with new opportunities that become available.
- Creating a package of skills development and mentoring to equip new entrants with appropriate skills for developing successful businesses in the land-based sector.
- Set up an ongoing contact process to provide expert guidance and support on business establishment to the new starts over their initial years in the sector.
Partners/Useful Links
Forestry Commission Scotland has worked on the development of the Starter Farm Initiative in partnership with:
