Grants & Subsidy Updates: September 2026

In the last week, there has been further developments to agricultural support in Scotland concerning BPS and FFIS.

Basic Payment Scheme Update

The first of the 2026 BPS Payment letters were issued last week. Although only a small number of claimants have been paid at this early stage, we are pleased to see payments are now underway.

As with previous years, the majority being paid to date are straightforward claims with no schemes such as Agri-Environmental of Forestry Grant schemes being claimed.

Delays caused by Future Farm Investment Scheme

You may have seen in the press last week reports that those who successfully gained FFIS capital grant in 2025 are awaiting their claims to be verified, and as such will not be eligible for BPS payments at present. We have been working with our clients who in many cases have submitted their evidence in advance to find their supporting evidence still has not been processed, and in turn no BPS can be paid.

We are raising this with the Scottish Government directly, as it taints the desire for future FFIS rounds if being in receipt of capital to purchase an item 10 months earlier can delay your BPS payments.

The Scottish Government’s response to date has been that annual BPS payments can be paid any time before June the following year, therefore no payments at this stage are ‘delayed’. With many businesses still very reliant on grant and subsidy payments for the purchase of livestock, fertiliser etc, it does make some question whether the FFIS is worth applying for.

Further guidance on funding under the second round of FFIS, and what would be eligible for 100% funding is still due, however the knock on to BPS payments must be a consideration.

Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS)

The Scottish Government has confirmed that the calving interval requirement for the SSBSS will remain unchanged in 2027.

Calves will only be eligible for a SSBSS payment if:

• their dam has a calving interval threshold of 410 days or less, or
• if the calf is the first registered birth associated with that dam

The small producer derogation will remain in place. This means that those claiming support for 10 calves or fewer will not need to meet the calving interval requirement.

If you have any queries about the latest updates to agricultural support in Scotland, please get in touch with FBR Seed director, Jenni Douglas – jenni.douglas@fbrseed.com

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