NFU Scotland is notifying those considering erecting or upgrading their slurry storage to meet new regulations that the latest funding round is now open.

The round also includes support for irrigation lagoons, a new measure that NFUS has been calling for given the significant water shortages seen in some areas in recent years.

NFUS received confirmation from the Scottish Government that the grant funding for slurry storage and irrigation lagoons, delivered through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), will open with £4 million being made available for successful applications received before April 19, 2024.

Scottish Government has indicated this will be the final year that support for slurry storage will be available. Under new rules, farms, where slurry from cattle is produced, are required to have 22 weeks slurry storage capacity by January 1, 2026. Slurry stores constructed before September 1991 have until 2026 to comply with the new storage requirements, but those constructed after this date must comply by 2024.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has committed to working with those farmers who have less than 22 weeks of storage after January 1, 2026, with the aim of reaching compliance as quickly as possible. Around 60 Scottish farms applied for slurry storage funding in the 2023 AECS round, largely due to the short application window, but the expectation is that many more will apply in 2024.

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NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall said: “On supporting slurry storage, this is a step in the right direction. There is an increased payment rate of up to £20 per cubic metre (up to 2,000 cubic metres). Previous recipients can apply although first time applicants will be prioritised.

“To improve industry resilience in light of recent significant water shortages in some areas, having irrigation lagoons included for the first time shows that the Scottish Government has listened to us and accepted the proposals we submitted.

“For those looking to either erect a slurry store or construct an irrigation lagoon, the application window closure on 19 April remains very tight. We recognise that this is set to ensure works can be completed and claims made within the constraints of a financial (scheme) year.

“It's not ideal, but we urge members to use what's on offer - not least as the clock is ticking on the four-year phase in of the new slurry storage regulations.”