The scheme aims to attract more young farmers to the industry

The party fears that the high average age of farmers leaves Scotland in danger of losing vital rural skills.

SNP leader Alex Salmond announced the scheme to the Scottish Estates Business Group AGM in Edinburgh last year.

NFU Scotland welcomed the chance to contribute to a consultation on the scheme.

The SNP said the �10m they would allocate to such an initiative may be augmented by European funds.

Next generation

The scheme would be aimed at revitalising the next generation of farming skills for owners, tenant farmers and crofters, as well as attracting new investment.

The party claims that the �4.5m allocated to a similar initiative in Northern Ireland is expected to attract 600 new entrants in the first year.

It is also forecast to bring in a further �18m of private investment in the industry.

If we stood back and did nothing then Scotland's vital farming skills will be in danger of dying out Richard Lochhead SNP rural affairs spokesman

An NFU Scotland spokesman said: "NFU Scotland applauds the Scottish National Party for its commitment to introduce a new entrants scheme should it form part of the next Scottish Executive administration."

A spokesman for the Scottish Crofting Foundation added: "Alex's announcement was very encouraging and will certainly be a very positive step forward in rural regeneration - and very overdue."

SNP's rural affairs spokesman Richard Lochhead said: "The average age of Scotland's farmers is in the mid-50s while no less than half have said they wish to retire in the next 10 years.

"If we stood back and did nothing then Scotland's vital farming skills will be in danger of dying out.