Technical Assistance for Scottish Producers Scheme (TASPS)
The Scottish Government's vision for food in Scotland is that it should make the nation healthier, wealthier and smarter with production making communities stronger and consumption respecting the local and global environment.
The purpose of Scotland's first National Food and Drink Policy is to promote Scotland's sustainable economic growth by ensuring that the Scottish Government's focus in relation to food and drink, and in particular our work with Scotland's food and drink industry, addresses quality, health and wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, recognising the need for access and affordability at the same time.
The TASPS supports:
- The organisation of, and participation in, events across Scotland and further afield by producers.
- The production of independent publications about producers and their products.
- The education and training of producers.
- Rental of premises, office equipment, overheads, legal and administrative staff costs.
- The preparation of applications relating to the production of quality agricultural products.
Guidance
Principles of the Scheme
- The rate of grant and the upper limit on expenditure will be decided on a case by case basis.
- All grants will be paid in kind by means of subsidised services to the applicant.
- The principle of 'additionality' will apply in all cases. This means the grant will only be paid on a project if it is clearly shown that it would not take place without the award of financial assistance.
- Projects require the prior approval of the Scottish Government before any expenditure is incurred.
Financial Assistance available
Aid for the constitution of Producer Groups or producer associations
- The rental of suitable premises, the acquisition of office equipment (including computer software and hardware), administrative staff costs, overheads and legal and administrative fees.
Aid for Producer Groups and Producers
- assist the participation fees, travel costs, the rent of premises for events.
- assist the production of publications (including catalogues or websites) presenting factual information about producers from a given region or producers of a given product provided the information and presentation is neutral and equitable;
- contribute to the costs of organising training programmes, including the travel and subsistence costs of participants.
- Contribute to the costs up to 100% of market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for recognition of geographical indications and designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant community regulations.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to all eligible producers, producer groups or associations in Scotland.
How to apply
In all cases it is recommended that potential applicants speak to the Scottish Government before submitting an application.
Assessment
The approval of an application will be at the discretion of the Scottish Government consistent with the Principles of the scheme. The Scottish Government will take into account the merits of the case and the value for money of the proposal.
Approvals and rejections
A letter will be sent to applicants giving the Scottish Government's decision on the application. If the application is successful the decision letter will include a list of the items that are to be supported and the grant approved for each item, along with any conditions. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal.
Conditions applying to approved projects
All approved projects are required to prepare a detailed report after completion and submit it the Scottish Government setting the progress, outcomes and expenditure associated with the activities of each project.
All projects are also required to keep records of all financial transactions connected with the project for a minimum of ten years.
Access by Scottish Government representatives
Any authorised representative of the Scottish Government must be allowed to access to the project's records at any reasonable time.
Changes to the project
You must notify the Scottish Government immediately, in writing, if you are considering making any changes to an approved project.
Confidentiality
All commercial information received from applicants will be treated in confidence. However the Scottish Government will publish general information relating to the scheme.
State Aid
In order to comply with EU rules on State Aid the measures supported in this scheme respect the conditions and aid intensities of articles 9, 14 and 15 allowed by the Commission Regulation 1857/2006 for state aid to small and medium sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products.
(In accordance with Articles 14(6) and 15(4) of Reg. 1857/2006 that in case any aid is granted under those Articles by producer groups or other organisation, then the membership of such groups or organisations would not be a condition for access to the service and that any contribution of non-members towards the administrative costs of the group or organisation would be limited to the costs of providing the service.)