Integrated Land Management Plans: helping Scottish crofters to be successful in a competitive environment

A common misconception surrounding Integrated Land Management Plans (ILMPs) is that they are not applicable to smaller businesses. This is not the case.

Regardless of farm size or business stage, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) can help Scottish crofters to access up to £1,200 worth of grant funding for an Integrated Land Management Plan.

This enables crofters to commission an expert adviser to undertake an independent and confidential assessment of their crofting business – producing an ILMP, that provides a clear, practical, step-by-step action plan to help achieve business goals, and increase the profitability and sustainability of the business.

An ILMP will identify opportunities to make cost savings and explore the potential to develop competitive advantage or technical excellence in areas where the business is strong or has growth potential.

The assessment is flexible and typically includes:

• a review of business strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats as they relate to an individual crofter’s vision for the future;
• a basic habitats, biodiversity and conservation assessment;
• a financial performance analysis;
• a cross compliance assessment to highlight where there may be risk areas for the business.

‘It helps you understand what business opportunities are available to you and how best to go about developing your business.’ Fergus Laing, Grantown-on-Spey, FAS ILMP grant recipient.

ILMP funding covers 80% of the total costs of the assessment. The remaining 20% and VAT is covered by the participating business. Costs are proportional to business size (i.e. an ILMP for a smaller business may cost less, thus the 20% covered by the business will be a smaller contribution).

To apply or for more information about FAS services, please our advice and grants page. Alternatively, call 0300 323 0161 or email advice@fas.scot.