Farming

The Chief Statistician has released more detailed figures on agricultural emissions. Results show that in 2022 total agriculture emissions fell by 3% to 7.7 MtCO­2e. Increased fertiliser prices may have contributed to the decrease in emissions from agriculture in 2022, as usage rates fell from the previous year.

Last week saw the launch of the Small Producers Info Hub website at the Royal Highland Show.

Funded by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with Nourish Scotland, the Hub is designed to answer questions about dos and don’ts in relation to food production in Scotland and has been developed.

Yesterday (24 June) an updated version of the Agricultural Reform route map was published to include the expectation that existing systems will be used to deliver support in 2025-2027. 

This means that the way famers and crofters apply for and claim support and the current timetable for submission and payments is expected to continue over the next three years.

Scottish Forestry are funding a limited number of free Farm Woodland Assessments within the Central Scotland Green Network, which covers an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west to Fife and the Lothians in the east.

The assessments will allow farmers the opportunity to assess their landholding for potential planting with no future obligations.

MSPs have backed legislation that will transform how the Scottish Government supports farming and food production.

The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill will ensure the Scottish Government can help farmers and crofters to produce more food more sustainably, supporting their essential role in climate mitigation and nature restoration. It will allow for a framework of payments that is responsive to the sector’s needs.

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) is this week announcing a new RESPECT campaign which will be launched at the Royal Highland Show.