Scottish Government

Priority Code

Business Viability and Competitiveness Priorities

Relevant Packages

AYR03

Improved business competitiveness or sustainability through improved management or improved animal health and welfare by supporting land managers to undertake practical, vocational or business skills training (especially where it complements other capital investments or changes in business structure or orientation).

Particularly proposals which:

• develop the leadership, managerial and technical skills of land managers to enhance business competitiveness
• promote skills training where there are recognised skills gaps or skill needs relating to new investment, diversification into new markets or new areas of activity
• encourage the dissemination of best practice in sustainable land management practices alongside best practice in business management
• introduce new trainees into the forestry sector or seek to improve the forestry skills of other land managers with an active interest in forestry and in diversifying their own traditional activities
• encourage land managers to increase their skills in incorporating environmental and social objectives into their business activities

2-4, 33 & 35

AYR04

Active management or the use of the land for productive purposes, by supporting capital investment in small-scale crofting or crofting-type production.

• Particularly balanced small-scale proposals and projects and activities in lowland crofting or part time farming situations where demonstrable benefits accrue.

2-4, 35 & 36

AYR05

New or expanded demand led markets, through encouraging producers, processors, retailers and others in the supply chain to work together and build capacity. Particularly proposals that:

• encourage greater co-operation between businesses to increase the efficiency of the local supply chain and provide better returns to the primary producer, e.g. by sharing costs in marketing, distribution and administration, formation of producer groups
• assist with the establishment of improved direct marketing across Ayrshire and beyond.

1-4 & 35

AYR06

Local wealth and reduce food/timber miles (especially in relation to food, drink, woodfuel and biomass), through expansion of local sale and add value processing of primary agricultural and forestry products.

Particularly proposals which:

• support new or existing initiatives to market local produce including local shops, markets and fairs
• support the development of woodfuel/biomass utilising wood grown in Ayrshire including local woodfuel clusters and other measures as outlined in the Scottish Biomass Action Plan
• encourage a stronger, more diverse local forestry sector including maintaining a significant timber production capacity, retaining and developing local timber processing facilities where appropriate
• Develop opportunities particularly amongst small-scale woodland owners, such as farmers, to add-value to woodland products through markets closer to their woodlands, e.g. quality wood craft products, woodfuel supply chains and businesses, and forest recreation businesses.

1, 33 & 35

AYR07a

Enhanced viability and improved quality of primary products, where such will improve economic viability, through improved management practices (e.g. improved timber quality through good silviculture), particularly in areas that will most benefit from sustainable community development, employment and rural diversification, and through improvements in transport infrastructure, e.g. agreements developed in partnership with regional Timber Transport Groups.

Particularly proposals which:

• focus on improving timber quality through highest standards of good silviculture, including use of genetically improved planting stock
• enhanced woodland management, particularly for farm woodlands and under-managed woods, where proposals will lead to increasing productive potential.

1, 3, 4, 33 & 35

AYR07b

Organic conversion and maintenance - Develop the production, processing and marketing opportunities for the organic sector in Scotland and in doing so deliver biodiversity, pollution control, energy efficiency and soil protection benefits.

Particularly proposals which:

• promote greater balance between supply and demand for Scottish organic produce, particularly where they identify opportunities to add value or help grow the sector.

1, 2, 4, 9-11, 14, 17, 27-30 & 34