Latest Requirements for Agricultural Support in Scotland
16 January 2026
This week, claimants will receive a letter from the Scottish Government giving another brief overview of the changes coming this spring including how to be compliant and eligible for agricultural support, the rules for which are now in effect.
Failure to comply will result in loss of support payments from 2026.
ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS AREAS (EFAs)
As detailed in our previous updates, the rules around Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) have now changed, with existing options having in many cases stricter eligibility rules, and 4 new EFA habitats being introduced to provide more options to businesses.
We strongly advise all claimants who have at least 15 Ha of arable ground (including temporary grassland and forage crops) to look in advance of the BPS window opening on 15th March at the options available to them to find the best fit, while there is sufficient time to look at alternatives if an issue arises.
EFA requirements will increase from 5% to 7% from 15th May 2027
Failure for a business to meet their required EFA options can result in their entire Greening payment (33% of their total payment) being withheld.
WHOLE FARM PLAN (WFP)
In addition to changes to EFA, as per 2025, claimants must have undertaken at least two audits/plans from the Whole Farm Plan list below, that are relevant to their farming business, prior to 15th May 2026. Each of these items a have shelf-life, you must therefore make sure these are in date prior to 15th May. Failure to comply with the Whole Farm Plan will result in the entire BPS payment being withheld.
Agri-Environmental Climatic Scheme (AECS)
The Scottish Government has announced that the 2026 AECS round will run from 23rd Feb – 20th June for most applications, with an extension to 31st July for Organic applications.
There continues to be some suspended options this year, mostly around heather restoration, muirburn & bracken control. There has also been tightening of rules around some of the habitats including where new hedgerows can be located and on how applications are to be scored.
The Scottish Government has also confirmed that AECS will continue (Government and budget dependent) until 2030. However, there will be no alternative scheme for the next 5 years. Although payment rates have not been reviewed since AECS started in 2015, they do offer a 5-year commitment to funding, which as support comes under more threat and uncertainty, makes these schemes worth considering.
To date, there has been no announcement of results from the 2025 AECS round, however this will now be able to be calculated after the Budget announcement on the 13th January – however based on previous years it may take several weeks before a decision is published.
If you have any queries regarding the latest requirements for agricultural support in Scotland or would like support with applications, please get in touch with Jenni Douglas – jenni.douglas@fbrseed.com.