Food and drink

The Scottish Government has published its first steps towards developing just transition plans for three key sectors of the Scottish economy, with discussion papers published for Built Environment and Construction, Land Use and Agriculture, and Transport.

New conditions for farming support payments will be introduced from 2025, to help more of Scotland’s farmers and crofters cut emissions and help tackle climate change.

The criteria will also support farmers and crofters to meet more of our food needs sustainably, and farm and croft while working to protect nature.

From 2025 farmers and crofters will be required to adopt the following practices to qualify for the payment:

The Community Led Local Development (CLLD) fund for rural Ayrshire and the islands has just launched for its second year. 

Visitors to the Royal Highland Show are being encouraged to try an innovative “Stress Bucket” being launched by RSABI as part of a range of initiatives by the charity to encourage good mental health.

The bespoke Stress Bucket, made from recycled farm materials and designed to raise awareness around mental health in agriculture, focuses on the common causes of stress build-up experienced in farming. It displays in a simple and engaging way how stress can be reduced through steps such as exercise, good sleep, a balanced diet, and talking with a friend or family member.

A strategy to make Scotland one of the most innovative small countries in the world has been published.

The National Innovation Strategy sets out plans to align Scotland with European leaders such as Denmark, Finland and Norway over the next decade by placing innovation at the heart of the economy.

It outlines new approaches to develop world leading excellence in key sectors – turning research into successful products and businesses, encouraging more businesses to innovate, and improve productivity while maximising targeted investment from Government and industry.  

There is still time to take part in the Scottish Government review of the National Outcomes, which closes on the 12 June 2023. The review is required within every five years, under the Community Empowerment Act (2015).

A new regenerative farming event will be held in Scotland this summer. GO Falkland, hosted on the Falkland Estate in Fife, will bring together speakers from across agriculture, agroforestry, soil biology and food provision, to create a one-day discussion forum for farming businesses and others interested in a profitable, sustainable approach to food production and soil health.