Background 

EKOS undertook an independent evaluation of three capital grant schemes funded through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2014-2020. The evaluation was commissioned by the Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) Division within the Scottish Government. The aim of the evaluation was to examine the impact of the three capital grant schemes, including reflections on lessons learned, and at a minimum address the EC Reporting Requirement to achieve change in agricultural output.

The evaluation comprised a mixed-methods approach:

• Secondary information – a wide range of existing information, documentation, and data was reviewed and synthesised including: grant scheme application forms and guidance, SRDP 2014-2020 programme document, Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs), and data provided by SG on applications received (and outcome), and information on grant recipients and supported projects.
• Primary research – including: remote (online) stakeholder interviews with 29 partners and stakeholders; grant recipient online survey which attracted 199 responses (15% response rate); and six case studies.

The schemes subject to evaluation were the: New Entrants Capital Grant Scheme (NECGS), Small Farms Grant Scheme (SFGS), and Crofting Agricultural Grants Scheme (CAGS).

The evaluation findings confirm that the CAGS and NECGS were popular schemes and supported many new entrants and crofters. CAGS is a long-established grant scheme and is highly valued among the crofting community, while the NECGS was over-subscribed. SFGS under-performed due to scheme design and eligibility issues. The grant schemes have broadly supported the right type of project activities (for example, agricultural sheds, fencing, field drainage, land management, equipment for the handling and treatment of livestock), and importantly supported small and large projects alike.

The link to the published report can be accessed here.