(This note is not part of the Scheme)
This instrument establishes the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme (“the Scheme”) for that part of Scotland outwith the Highlands and Islands area (see definition of “scheme area”). It enables the payment of financial assistance under the Scheme for measures which are listed in Parts I and II of the Schedule to the Scheme. These are capital measures by creating new or improving existing diversified agricultural activities and diversification outwith agricultural activities to provide alternative sources of income. They include support for training and marketing. Any of these measures can also be undertaken as collaborative ventures.
Paragraph 4 provides for the procedure for applications for financial assistance. Applications, containing certain specified information, must be submitted to the Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Ministers may suspend receipt of applications, but that will not affect the operation of the Scheme in any other respect and applications received prior to the suspension will continue to be considered. Eligible persons can submit more than one application for assistance under the Scheme. Applications can be made for collaborative ventures involving three or more eligible businesses.
The Scheme also–
a
makes provision for the determination of applications by the Scottish Ministers (paragraph 5);
b
provides for the levels of financial assistance available including to maximum limits of financial assistance payable (paragraph 6);
c
provides as to how financial assistance may be claimed and as to the evidence which may be required in support of a claim (paragraph 7);
d
provides for the Scottish Ministers to determine the manner and timing of payment of the approved financial assistance (paragraph 8);
e
makes provision for records to be kept and for payment of interest on sums due (paragraphs 9 and 10).