What is the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme/Farmland Premium ? 
The Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme Farmland Premium (SFGS/FP) was established under The Farm Land and Rural Development Act 1988 and opened to applicants running an agricultural business in 2003 as a successor to the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme.
The SFGS/FP was designed to encourage the creation of new woodlands on farms to enhance the environment and as a productive alternative land use. The SFGS/FP is linked with Forestry Commission Scotland's Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme (SFGS). The SFGS offers grants towards the cost of establishing and maintaining the woodland while the SFGS/FP offers annual payments for 10 or 15 years to compensate for the loss of agricultural income.
The SFGS/FP was closed in 2006 to new applicants.
A number of woodland features have now been incorporated into the Scotland Rural Development Plan (SRDP) 2007-2013 under the heading of Rural Priorities.
What work is still being done?
Although closed to new applicants we are still committed to funding 832 scheme participants covering an area of 11,730 hectares with an annual budget of £1.5m. This financial commitment will last, in some cases, to 2024.
Rates of annual payments are reviewed every 5 years taking into account relevant factors including trends in income from comparable agricultural land. Any changes in rates have to be approved by the Scottish Parliament. The next review is due to take place in 2011.
Where can you find out more?
The Forestry Commission Scotland website contains further information about Forestry schemes, and general information about Forestry in Scotland.