Farming

Small scale producers are set to have access to a range of new support designed to create more localised supply chains and cut food miles.

The Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund aims to help individual small producers increase their resilience and enhance their contribution to the rural economy.

The adder is the only widespread native snake occurring in Scotland. While there is growing evidence of a long-term decline in populations in Britain, especially in England, the situation in Scotland is less clear. 

The Scottish Government has published advice on what to do if you suspect an outbreak of avian influenza.

Land @ Lunch - What practical tools are available to tackle vacant and derelict land?

Land is at the heart of Scotland’s identity, economy and communities.

The Scottish Land Commission is driving a programme of land reform spanning both urban and rural land, to create a Scotland where land is owned and used in ways that are fair, responsible and productive.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon has welcomed the publication of new HMRC trade statistics today showing overseas exports of Scottish food and drink were worth £8 billion in 2022 – the highest figure on record.

Ms Gougeon said:

A growing network of Scottish landholdings committed to rewilding has recorded dramatic ecological and economic impacts in its first two years.

The Northwoods Rewilding Network, which has grown to 55 partners spanning the length and breadth of Scotland, has reported its first set of outcomes since it was established in April 2021 by rewilding charity SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

Today saw the publication by Scottish Government of guidance that has been produced to provide informal, non-statutory guidance which aims to clarify the requirements that apply to imports of bees into Scotland from certain parts of the British Isles, from the EU and the rest of the world.

Crofters across Scotland will be able to apply for larger sums of money to upgrade their housing under the Croft House Grant.

To help ensure more crofters and their families can benefit, the government is increasing the grant rate for home improvements from 40% to 60% of the total project cost – with a maximum grant of £38,000.

With this week being nature Nature Restoration Skills Week, NatureScot and partners have put together a programme of free training events focussed on skills for nature restoration. 

The Pollinator Strategy 2022 Progress Report highlights the work of organisations coming together across the country to create wildflower meadows, connect habitats, and gather evidence on how climate change is affecting pollinators. 

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