To ask the Scottish Executive how new entrants access the new entrants scheme for farmers.
New entrants apply for this support as part of the Rural Development Contacts - Rural Priorities scheme under the Scotland Rural Development Programme.
Applications are made online and applicants must first of all of all obtain a business reference number (BRN) and a government gateway password to be able to access the application system.
Rural priorities has a two stage application process. The first stage, statement of intent, requires applicants to provide an initial outline of their project/application, at which point they will be assigned a case officer who will provide them with feedback on how to take their project forward.
The second, proposal, stage requires applicants to provide more details about the business and how the funding will be used, along with supporting documentation such as a business plan and proof of status as a new entrant.
Full guidance about the scheme, including details of eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/srdp.