Future Farming Investment Scheme
How Scottish Farmers Can Modernise with Automated Equipment
The agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly, and Scottish farmers face mounting pressure to increase productivity whilst reducing environmental impact. The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) presents a transformative opportunity for farmers to modernise their operations with cutting-edge technology—including automated potato quality graders and other post-harvest equipment that can revolutionise farm efficiency.
This comprehensive guide explores how the FFIS can help Scottish farmers invest in sustainable equipment, with particular focus on how Agropack Solutions can support your journey towards more efficient, profitable farming operations.
Understanding the Future Farming Investment Scheme
The Future Farming Investment Scheme represents a significant shift in how the Scottish Government supports agricultural innovation. Unlike traditional grant schemes that reimburse costs after purchase, the FFIS provides upfront capital support to help farmers invest in equipment that delivers measurable environmental and efficiency benefits.
Key Objectives and Financial Support
The scheme targets three primary outcomes: boosting productivity, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting Scotland’s natural environment. This multi-faceted approach ensures investments deliver both immediate operational benefits and long-term sustainability gains.
Financial support varies based on farm size, with smaller operations (30 hectares or less) eligible for up to £5,000, medium-sized farms (30.01-150 hectares) qualifying for up to £10,000, and larger operations (over 150 hectares) able to access up to £20,000. Remarkably, the scheme can cover up to 100% of investment costs, though farmers are encouraged to apply only for the support they genuinely need to maximise opportunities for other applicants.
Eligibility and Investment Requirements
To qualify for FFIS funding, investments must demonstrate clear improvements in business efficiency, sustainability, or environmental impact. All equipment must be brand new—purchased directly from suppliers or manufacturers—and cannot be acquired through hire purchase or leasing arrangements. The remainder of investment costs must come from private sources such as savings, bank loans, or credit cards.
Successful applicants have nine months from grant acceptance to purchase, install, and provide evidence of operational equipment. This timeline ensures rapid implementation whilst allowing sufficient time for proper installation and commissioning.
Eligible Technologies and Equipment
The FFIS covers an extensive range of agricultural technologies designed to modernise farming operations. For livestock producers, eligible items include automatic weighing systems, environmental monitoring equipment, and automated feeding solutions that improve animal welfare whilst reducing labour requirements.
Crop producers can access precision technologies such as variable rate application systems, GPS-guided equipment, and automated monitoring systems. Particularly relevant for potato growers, automated potato quality graders feature prominently on the eligible equipment list, alongside other post-harvest processing equipment.
Post-Harvest Processing Equipment
The scheme recognises that efficient post-harvest handling is crucial for farm profitability. Eligible equipment includes automated grading systems, and weighing and packing machinery, —all designed to streamline operations whilst improving product quality and worker safety.
Equipment must be purchased outright using private funds combined with grant support. This requirement ensures farmers maintain ownership and long-term commitment to utilising the technology effectively.




How Agropack Solutions Supports FFIS Applications
Agropack Solutions has established itself as Scotland’s premier provider of post-harvest machinery solutions, offering the expertise and equipment portfolio needed to maximise FFIS opportunities. Our comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge technology with practical implementation support.
Comprehensive Equipment Portfolio
Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Manter, Wevano, Solidtec, Thomech, Scotts, and Meconaf, Agropack Solutions provides access to the latest agricultural innovations. Our automated potato quality grading lines, developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers, represent the pinnacle of post-harvest processing technology.
These systems can also utilise advanced optical sorting technology to grade potatoes with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The equipment seamlessly integrates with existing farm operations whilst delivering measurable improvements in processing efficiency and product quality.
Expert Guidance and Professional Installation
Navigating the FFIS application process can be complex, but Agropack Solutions provides comprehensive support throughout the journey. Our team offers expert guidance on equipment selection, ensuring chosen solutions align with both FFIS requirements and specific operational needs.
Professional installation services guarantee equipment is properly commissioned and optimised for maximum performance. Our technicians provide comprehensive training to ensure farm staff can operate systems effectively from day one.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
The six-year retention requirement for FFIS equipment makes ongoing support crucial. Agropack Solutions offers comprehensive maintenance packages designed to keep equipment operating at peak performance throughout its operational life. Regular servicing and prompt technical support minimise downtime whilst ensuring compliance with scheme requirements.
Benefits of Automated Potato Quality Graders
Automated potato quality graders represent a transformative investment for Scottish potato producers. These sophisticated systems deliver multiple operational benefits that directly support FFIS objectives whilst improving farm profitability.
Streamlined Post-Harvest Operations
Traditional manual grading processes are labour-intensive and inconsistent. Automated graders process potatoes at significantly higher speeds whilst maintaining consistent quality standards. This efficiency improvement reduces labour requirements and processing costs whilst increasing throughput capacity.
Using U-Vision technology, which utilises advanced optical sensors, defects, size variations, and quality parameters can be detected with remarkable precision. This capability ensures consistent product quality whilst reducing waste and improving marketability.
Enhanced Sustainability and Efficiency
Automated grading systems contribute to sustainability goals by reducing food waste and improving resource efficiency. Precise sorting capabilities minimise product rejection whilst optimising packaging and storage requirements.
Energy-efficient designs and advanced control systems reduce operational costs whilst delivering environmental benefits. Many systems incorporate features such as variable speed controls and power management to minimise energy consumption.
Customised Solutions for Every Operation
Agropack Solutions recognises that every farm operation has unique requirements. Our automated grading systems can be customised to accommodate different production volumes, product specifications, and operational constraints.
Modular designs allow systems to be expanded or modified as operations grow. This flexibility ensures equipment remains relevant and productive throughout its operational life, maximising return on investment.
The FFIS Application Process
Applying for FFIS support requires careful planning and attention to detail. The application process opened on 14th July, through the Scottish Government’s online portal, with successful applicants receiving grant offers after September 27, 2025.
Preparation and Documentation
Whilst quotations aren’t required at application stage, farmers must have clear understanding of equipment costs and support requirements. Agropack Solutions provides comprehensive quotations and technical specifications to support applications.
Applications must demonstrate alignment with FFIS objectives and explain how proposed investments will deliver measurable benefits. Our team assists with technical documentation required.


Maximising Your FFIS Investment
The FFIS represents a unique opportunity to modernise farming operations with minimal financial risk. However, success depends on careful equipment selection and professional implementation.
Strategic Equipment Selection
Choosing the right equipment requires balancing current needs with future growth plans. Automated grading systems should integrate seamlessly with existing operations whilst providing capacity for expansion.
Agropack Solutions conducts comprehensive operational assessments to identify optimal equipment configurations. Our recommendations consider factors such as production volumes, product specifications, and operational constraints.
Long-Term Value Creation
FFIS investments must deliver value throughout their six-year retention period. Quality equipment from reputable manufacturers ensures reliability and performance consistency.
Comprehensive support packages protect investment value whilst ensuring compliance with scheme requirements. Regular maintenance and prompt technical support minimise operational disruption.
Transform Your Farm with FFIS Support
The Future Farming Investment Scheme offers Scottish farmers an unprecedented opportunity to modernise operations with minimal financial risk. Automated potato quality graders and other post-harvest equipment can deliver transformative operational improvements whilst supporting environmental objectives.
Agropack Solutions combines cutting-edge technology with comprehensive support services to maximise FFIS opportunities. Our proven track record and commitment to customer success ensure investments deliver lasting value.
The scheme’s upfront funding model removes traditional barriers to agricultural innovation. Combined with professional support from Agropack Solutions, farmers can confidently invest in technology that transforms their operations whilst contributing to Scotland’s agricultural sustainability goals.
Don’t miss this opportunity to modernise your farming operation. Contact Agropack Solutions today to explore how automated grading technology can enhance your farm’s efficiency, sustainability, and profitability through the Future Farming Investment Scheme.

