Business and Policy May 2026 – Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS)

AECS Overview

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is a Scottish Government funded grant that aims to provide funding for management and capital items that benefit Scotland’s Environment.  The scheme has existed since 2015 and, last year, it was confirmed by MSP Jim Fairlie that it would be continuing until 2030.  Each year there are changes to the management and capital items that are funded, as well as changes to the application process itself.  Keeping on top of these changes is important to ensure the greatest chance of success in your application, as well as ensuring you know what you are signing up to for the next five years of your AECS contract.  

 

Historic Application Success 

The full scoring criteria can be found online at www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/agri-environment-climate-scheme-scoring-criteria/, however, examples of where points are scored include: 

• Percentage of farm included under management 

• Benefit to protected sites or peatlands 

• Evidence of helping vulnerable species 

• Benefit to watercourses or pollution 

• Habitat linkage 

• Long term benefits

• Value for money 

Historically the passing score has been around the 22 point mark, but the last two years have seen all applications fit for purpose being approved. 2026 is expected to be a more competitive year, however, and will likely return to a competitive score. 

 

Changes in Management and Capital Options 

The following is a list of some of the more significant changes to the AECS guidance. 

Many arable options including: 

• Beetlebanks 

• Stubbles followed by green manure in an arable rotation 

• Forage brassica crops for farmland birds 

• Unharvested conservation headlands for wildlife 

• Retention of winter stubbles for wildlife and water quality 

• Management of hedgerows that have had their spatial targeting removed, and are now available throughout the country. 

Stock Fencing costs are no longer permitted for any wader, corncrake or corn bunting options. However, temporary fencing can be applied for. 

The Ancient Wood Pasture option: This option now also covers existing wood pasture on unimproved grassland or recently created wood pasture. 

Hedgerow creation: Any new hedge must link existing farmland habitats on the farm.  

Small-scale tree and shrub planting: The upper limit of 0.25 Ha has been removed. You can plant up to £4950 worth of trees (1650 trees total) in a variety of plats across the farm.   

Stock Control for Environmental management of designated sites: (Formerly Stock Disposal) this option is only available on designated sites. Future contracts will only be for 5 years. Where you have been in receipt of stock disposal for > 15 years, AECS will not continue to fund this.  

Slurry store: Not available for applications in 2026 

The deadline for the scheme is the 22nd of June 2026 for standalone agri-environment applications, and 31st July for organic only applications.  To hear more about the recent changes to AECS, and what to consider for an application, refer to the FAS Podcast from Thrill of the Hill: Thrill of the Hill – Where Policy Meets Pasture: The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David Brown | FAS 

 

Harry Fisher,harry.fisher@sac.co.uk, 01292 525090