Environment

The next steps in reforming the agriculture sector in Scotland

Supporting farmers and crofters to cut emissions and produce sustainable, high quality food have been set out by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon. 

Farmers and crofters are to be supported to play their part in Scotland becoming a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

A National Test Programme will begin next spring, with up to £51 million of investment over the following three years.

Plans to increase onshore wind capacity published ahead of COP26.

The proposals, first outlined in the co-operation agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party, are set out in a draft Onshore Wind Policy Statement.

The National Lottery Community Fund is offering from £1,000 to £10,000 to support communities across the UK to take action on climate change.

Projects should reflect what matters to your community and can be small in scale. They could cover an area like:

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) will reopen for funding in 2022 to support the ambition of doubling the amount of land under organic management, set out in the Programme for Government 2021-22.

Biodiversity and alternative food products

Increasing biodiversity of both the farm environment and what it produces, is seen as one of the ways in which farming businesses can remain sustainable in the future.

We’ll watch video footage from some Scottish businesses that are farming in a way that has increased biodiversity on their farm. These business owners will also join us as part of our panel.

The Langholm Initiative charity aims to buy 5,300 acres of Langholm Moor and three residential properties from Buccleuch, and so expand the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve to 10,500 acres.

Success would boost plans for community regeneration, including nature-based tourism opportunities, and for tackling the nature and climate emergencies.

Funding of £600,000 further supports the sustainable development of Scotland’s Blue Economy.

Scottish Government funding of over £600,000 is set to trigger the expansion of an innovative seaweed company.

Do you care where your food comes from? Share your ideas on what more can be done to create a future where all can enjoy locally produced food.

Pages