ADBS

This scheme started in 2000 and is due to finish in 2008. The first step is to have a professionally prepared Business Plan for your Agricultural Business. The Business Plan is used to analyse current farming and business practices and then give recommendations, based on this analysis, for restructuring / investment. The business plan must be professionally prepared and the cost of this is grant aided at 50% of up to £800. Cost will depend on the size of the business and the complexity of the plan itself.
As well as completing the business plan we will advise on and complete the application forms, these applications must be timed in relation to the proposed works as applications are dealt with in 4 tranches each year and it can be some considerable time from starting the business plan to approval being granted from SEERAD.

We can also assist in getting planning permission and obtaining quotes for building works.

Many of the works can be carried out under Standard costs and we can advice on the best way to take the projects forward.

We are also able to assist with completing claim forms and measuring up of works for claiming.

We have also had experience of submitting appeals to SEERAD where applicants are not satisfied with any aspects of the scheme.

Once the Business Plan has been accepted grants can be applied for on each of the identified investments, each are then allocated a grant on individual merit. The grant takes the form of up to 50% of either the actual or standard cost of the proposed investment. Applicants are not guaranteed any grant and the level of grant can vary considerably from one investment to the other.

Scottish Executive Website Preface (ABDS)

The Agricultural Business Development Scheme (ABDS) is a business development scheme for farmers / crofters and their immediate families. It operates under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme within the legal framework of the Rural Development Regulation.

The ABDS can provide assistance towards investments in agricultural holdings and the development of new or the expansion of existing agricultural or non-agricultural diversification enterprises, either on or off-farm / croft, to increase the income-generating capacity of the farming family. The Scheme is discretionary with all applications being subject to a selection process: reviewed in funding tranches by Project Assessment Committees (PACs).

Legal occupiers of agricultural units within the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme Area who have been actively engaged in agriculture for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply to the Scheme for both investments in agricultural holdings and diversification projects.

The role of Agricultural Staff in administering the ABDS includes the appraisal of Business Plans, the assessment of applications and the processing and payment of claims and on-farm inspections. The overall objectives are to meet payment deadlines and inspection targets.