Your Sector

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

These resources have been selected to provide information on the Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industry in Scotland. Your local Business Gateway office can help you connect with other organisations and support networks to help you further your idea or business.

Scottish Government Rural Business Support

Support will be available through the EMFF programme in Scotland which delivers on sustainable economic growth in the sea fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and supports communities to deliver economic benefits during the transition phase of the Common Fisheries Policy reform programme.

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

Support will be available through the EMFF programme in Scotland which delivers on sustainable economic growth in the sea fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and supports communities to deliver economic benefits during the transition phase of the Common Fisheries Policy reform programme.

RSABI – Supporting People in Scottish Agriculture

Providing emotional, practical and financial support to individuals and their families across the agricultural sector including farming, crofting and growing.

Crofting Commission Scotland

The Crofting Commission regulates and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland to secure the future of crofting.

Farm Advisory Scotland

Grant support, a full programme of events, a subscription service for crofts and small farms, and a range of articles and publications form the core of this service which is designed to provide integrated advice for farmers and crofters across Scotland.

Foresty Commission Scotland

Support for Scotland's forests through guidance, grants and regulations, and by shaping forestry policy.

Gamekeepers Welfare Trust

The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust exists to support gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies, and their dependants past and present.

National Farmers Union Scotland

NFUS provides regular and accurate information on all major policy and legislative matters to help members keep on top of the main issues which affect their businesses. Their local experts and the first point of contact for members. For your nearest representative see their website.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund

The Prince’s Countryside Fund exists to improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life through partnerships, events and funding.

Scottish Crofters Confederation

The SCF is the only organisation solely dedicated to campaigning for crofters and fighting for the future of crofting. It is the largest association of small scale food producers in the UK.

Business Debtline

Giving free, impartial and confidential debt advice to small businesses and the self-employed for over 20 years.

Citizens Advice Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland is a registered charity which supports Scottish Citizens Advice Bureaux by providing expertise on things like management and fundraising, resources such as IT support, tools and training to support advice giving, and help with running campaigns. We look at the problems people bring to our advice services and campaign for change where it’s needed most.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, protecting and improving Scotland’s environment.

Agri-Environment Climate Scheme

Funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change.

Basic Payment Scheme

Introduced in 2015. Payments you can claim on land you actively farm.

Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme

Funding you can apply for to help develop your croft.

Cross Compliance

Details of the Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) necessary to receive Basic Payments, including the obligation to keep land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAECs).

Forestry Grant Scheme

Funding to support woodland management and creation.

Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS)

This governs all applications for Basic Payment Scheme and Cross-Compliance regulations. You must comply with its rules to receive payments.

Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS)

This is a per-hectare payment designed to contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community by providing support for continued agricultural activity and sustainable farming systems.

New Entrants

Three funding schemes to help new farmers establish or improve their business.

Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (Mainland and Islands)

This scheme helps maintain beef suckler herds at a level that sustains the commercial beef industry in Scotland.

Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme

This scheme provides additional support, on top of the Basic Payment Scheme, to sheep producers who farm in Scotland's rough grazing areas.

Small Farms Grant Scheme

Funding you can apply for to help develop your small farm.

Scottish Fisherman's Federation

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) was formed in 1973 to preserve and promote the collective interests of Scotland’s fishermen’s associations.

Seafish Scotland

Seafish is a Non-Departmental Public Body set up to support the £10 billion UK seafood industry.

Scotland's Aquaculture

Aquaculture is an industry of growing importance in Scotland providing valuable jobs and income for the economy.

Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre

SAIC connects industry with academia, supporting collaboration on key sector issues and opportunities, and helping drive growth towards 2030.

Scottish Seaweed Industry Association

The SSIA is a forum for all industry voices, and people with any interest in this emerging sector.

DigitalBoost – Digital Skills and Training for SMEs

Helping businesses across Scotland with free advice, workshops, 1:1 expert support, online tools, guides and a quick healthcheck to assess your digital strengths and weaknesses.

Scottish Government – Business Support

Guidance on the policies and interventions in place to support Scottish SMEs.

Healthy Working Lives

Healthy Working Lives is the place to come to if you are an employer in Scotland looking for workplace health, safety and wellbeing information.​

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Support agency for the Northern regions of Scotland which focusses on Innovation, trading internationally, funding/investment, skills development and more.

Scottish Enterprise

Focussed on assisting businesses who are looking to accelerate and grow through exporting, developing products and services, funding and business development.

Scotland IS

From innovative technology start-ups and global online service businesses that are transforming our lives to the universities that train our skilled people, ScotlandIS has developed a thriving membership and community for the economic benefit of everyone.

Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s national skills body. They contribute to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth by supporting people and businesses to develop and apply their skills.

Business Loans Scotland

Loans from 25K to 100K for new and growing Scottish SMEs.

Young Scot – National Youth Arts Fund

Grants to nurture creative talent in young people aged between 14 and 20 years old.

Zero Waste Scotland

Support, funding, campaigns and other interventions to help people and businesses reduce waste and be more efficient with resources.

Heritage Lottery Fund

Funding projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK.

Just Enterprise

Just Enterprise is a consortium formed from Scotland's key social enterprise support agencies. Collectively, they are able to provide expert Start Up, Business Support, Business Recovery, Procurement, Leadership and Learning Services, to third sector organisations across the length and breadth of the country.

Princes Trust Scotland

Every young person should have the chance to succeed. PTS help young people in Scotland get into education, jobs and start businesses.

Findbusinesssupport.gov.scot

Search this website to find out about what other business support may be available to you.

Women’s Business Centre

Led by Women’s Enterprise Scotland this centre is to help women achieve their business aspirations, make connections, up-skill and get support.