Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has announced the next round of applications is open for the Agri-Environment Climate Change scheme.

The initiative is jointly-funded with the EU and supports environmentally friendly land management practices that aim to safeguard and improve Scotland's natural heritage and help businesses adapt to climate change.

The initiative's 2018 application window will run for 12 weeks from today, 17 January to 13 April (31 Mary for collaborative projects which involve five or more businesses).

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Since its launch in 2014, more than £100 million has been committed to 2,090 businesses.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "I am delighted to confirm that we are now accepting applications to the Agri-Environment Climate Change scheme.

"The scheme supports our continued efforts to protect and enhance our environment by promoting environmentally friendly land management practices. It also helps businesses to manage flood risks and mitigate and adapt to the challenge of climate change.

"I would therefore encourage all farmers, crofters and land managers to apply for support under the scheme, and explore how they can benefit and realise the environmental and economic potential of low carbon, environmentally friendly practices."

(LM)