ADDING VALUE TO FARM WOODLANDS IN BREADALBANE (30/11/06)

Three farmers encouraging farm diversification have become the first to receive a cash boost from Forestry Commission Scotland as part of its Adding Value to Farm Woodlands pilot grant scheme.

The £100,000 project helps farmers find new ways to make the most of their woodlands and woodland products by encouraging woodland management and diversification of farm businesses.

The grant supports farmers for up to 40 per cent of agreed costs, with a maximum of £30,000 per applicant.
The scheme is being piloted in the Breadalbane area, Perthshire, over a two year period and is being promoted through the Breadalbane Initiative for Farm Forestry (BIFF).

Announcing the three successful applicants, Scottish Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin, said:

"The pilot grant scheme is helping to improve the economic value of farm woodlands and encourage woodland management in the BIFF area by promoting the development and supply of forest products.

"Developing woodland products that meet market needs is a priority action of the Scottish Forestry Strategy. The strategy also recognises the value of small scale processing of timber for providing local opportunities for employment, income generation, development of broader skills base and creating a base for farm diversification.

"I am delighted to announce the first three successful applicants who have been awarded assistance towards equipment such as mobile saws and a firewood processor. I hope that grant scheme will be the start of diversifying the farming business in a way that contributes to sustaining healthy rural communities."

The three farmers who have been offered funding through the scheme are:

Neil Black from Gatehouse was awarded £12,835.00 towards a Palax firewood processor and mega deck. This equipment will be used to expand his current firewood supply business.

Andrew Barbour of Fincastle was awarded £5,084.00 towards a Lumbermate saw, Minimax smartplaner and thicknesser and an Arrowsmith kiln. This will allow Andrew to produce timber from the woodlands on his property.

Athel Price of Bolfracks was awarded £4,000.00 towards a Woodmiser portable sawmill. This will allow Athel to utilise the thinned materials from his woodlands.

John Kinnaird, NFU Scotland President, said:

"Making the most of Scotland's diverse farm forestry and enlivening entrepreneurship through training is essential for the industry's well-being.  This project encourages on-farm diversification and local business collaboration, and news of this grant will be very welcome for the recipients.

"NFU Scotland is fully behind farmers wishing to diversify in this ever-changing environment.  Financial support for farmers who develop or enhance an already successful business will in turn be re-introduced into the local community.  This means the wider rural population will also gain from the project."

The next round of the Adding Value to Farm Woodlands grant began at the end of October and the deadline is 31 December. The third round of the grant scheme will take place next spring.