The Scottish Government has confirmed a second round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) will open for applications in winter 2026, backed by a £14.25 million fund. If you applied last year, you know exactly what happens next: a short window, high demand, and a lot of farmers trying to get quotes and paperwork sorted in a matter of weeks. Last time the window was open for just six weeks, from 14 July to 22 August 2025. Farmers who had their eligible items and quotes lined up before the window opened were the ones who got funded. The ones who waited to see what was on the list often ran out of time. Start preparing now so you’re not caught out again.
Your funding rate depends on your circumstances:
The full eligible items list hasn’t been published yet. We’ll update this page the moment it is, but based on last year’s list, expect direct drills to feature again.
The most common frustration was simple: not enough time. Farmers who wanted to invest in a direct drill had to get formal quotes, confirm eligibility, and submit inside six weeks, all while running a farm through summer. The scheme is competitive and funding runs out, so being ready on day one matters more than anything else.
1. Decide what you actually need. If a direct drill would make the biggest difference to your soil health this year, start looking now rather than once the window opens.
2. Get a formal quote in place early. A quote doesn’t commit you to anything, but it means you can move the moment applications open instead of waiting on paperwork.
3. Check which funding rate applies to you. If you’re a new entrant or based in the Highlands and Islands, know your enhanced rate now so you can plan your budget accurately.
Nothing beats seeing a drill in the field before you commit to buying one yourself. We’ve got machines working across Scotland right now. Find a Moore Unidrill near you and see the results for yourself.
FFIS moves fast once it opens, so the farmers who get funded are the ones who already have a quote in hand. Find your local Moore Unidrill dealer and get a price and demo booked now, not in six weeks.
Last checked: September 2026. No application date or eligible items list has been published yet. This page will be updated as further details are confirmed.
Source: gov.scot
