Agri-Environment Climate Change Scheme awards.
More than 600 rural businesses that work to protect the environment or mitigate the effects of climate change will receive 30 million in the latest round of Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (2021).
AECS was established to promote land management practices that protect and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage, improve water quality and manage flood risk. It also helps to adapt and adapt to climate change. Mairi Gueon, Rural Affairs Secretary, announced that the scheme would be extended to 2024. A new round will open in each calendar year.
The next round of applications will open on January 24, and farmers and crofters can apply for support to convert to and maintain organic land. There will also be a range of other measures that promote low carbon farming and protect the environment.
Mairi Gogueon, Rural Affairs Secretary, stated:
AECS has granted funding to almost 3,000 applicants, totalling 244 million, since its inception. This funding has allowed us to restore and enhance nature by increasing biodiversity, improving soils, and contributing to mitigating the effects of climate change. It also allows us to provide high-quality, locally produced food.
I want to thank everyone who applied for this scheme. They clearly understand how important it is to mitigate climate change. Our vision for rural Scotland’s future is positive. We support the world-leading climate action agenda and our response against the biodiversity crisis, and we see land managers and top-quality producers flourishing. AECS plays an important role in fulfilling these commitments. It also supports our ambition to double land under organic management, as set out by the Programme for Government 2021-22. To continue this work, I encourage you to apply to the next round of the scheme.
NatureScots Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said:
I want to congratulate everyone who was awarded AECS grants in 2022, for the round 2021. Farmers and crofters are crucial in helping to restore and protect Scotland’s natural resources in these times of climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. These projects will support vulnerable wildlife and habitats, improve soil and water quality, reduce flood risk, increase organic farming, and improve public access to rural areas.
Background
Agri-Environment Climate Scheme
A fairer, more sustainable nation
The 2021 AECS round increases the area subject to conversion or maintenance support by 86,577ha. This is an increase of 15,482ha (or 22%) from 2021 levels.
