Scottish Land and Estates, which represents landowners across Scotland, has called for a new cross-industry task force to be established to look at the development of share farming in Scotland.

The recommendation for an in-depth examination of the potential of share farming forms part of SL&E's submission to the group established by the Scottish Government to review agricultural holdings legislation.

Under a share-farming arrangement, the landowner provides the farm, the fixed equipment, the fixed machinery and he also pays for a share of certain input costs. The share farmer provides the working machinery and the labour, and also pays for a share of the input costs. Each is rewarded by a share of the gross output.

In the case of livestock, landowner and share farmer normally share the ownership of livestock, but the agreement can be designed to suit the individuals involved.

Share farming is already well established in America, Australia and New Zealand, and could offer the next generation of farmers the opportunity to get their foot on the farming ladder without being overburdened by the financial challenges many face through the existing tenancy system.

l Meanwhile, SL&E has welcomed the launch of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which it says will benefit householders across the country.

The RHI has been launched to provide financial support for renewable heat systems, offering payments to offset the cost of installing low carbon systems in domestic properties.

The technologies that will be covered by the scheme include biomass heating systems, ground or water source heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps and some solar thermal panels.

As long as the scheme criteria are met, then it is open to those who have installed eligible technology since July 15, 2009.

However there are time limits on these legacy applications which people need to be aware of so as not to lose the ability of signing up to the scheme.