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Rural research needs consultation launched!
Input into research priorities for rural and island Scotland are being sought to inform Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Programme
A draft strategy for the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Programme from 2027-32 is now available for public consultation.
The ENRA Research Programme is a multidisciplinary portfolio of research covering a broad range of issues critical to Scotland’s environmental and agricultural futures. The consultation will allow rural and island stakeholders and communities to make their priorities know to researchers and ensure that the programme meets the needs of stakeholders and policy makers.
The strategy is structured in five-year cycles to enable long-term strategic research and provide clarity on research priorities and programme structure. This latest version of the strategy outlines the approach for the next cycle, covering the period 2027–2032 and is draft version for public consultation.
The programme covers a broad range of issues critical to Scotland’s environmental and agricultural futures and to supporting sustainable and resilient rural and island communities. Thematic’s include:
- Regenerative and sustainable agriculture
- Optimising Scotland’s land-use for multiple objectives
- Protecting soils (including peatland)
- Plant and animal health
- Sustainable food systems
- Circular economy
- Reforming Scotland’s land system
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation in ENRA
- Nature loss and biodiversity
The programme directly supports Scotland’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as the climate and biodiversity crises with the research contributing to key sectors like agriculture, food production, and land management. The ENRA research programme also maintains strong links to other areas of related research within Scottish Government, including within the health and marine topics.
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands said:
“Our Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture research programme plays a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based responses to these challenges. This investment reflects our deep commitment to building climate resilience, restoring ecosystems, increasing biodiversity, and supporting rural livelihoods.
“The research funded through this programme is already delivering impact, informing key policy decisions across government, including on priority areas such as climate change, agricultural reform, peatland restoration, and environmental protection. It is also supporting sustainable economic growth in rural and island communities.”
The draft strategy sets out how Scotland will achieve this vision. It highlights research priorities, how research supports achieving meaningful impacts, the mechanisms used to fund research, and the governance structures which will be used during the next cycle from 2027-2032.
Research in the next programme will be delivered through five core Missions aligned with key Scottish Government priorities and specifying the outcomes our research will target:
- Delivering sustainable and regenerative agriculture and food systems
- Delivering climate-positive and resilient landscapes
- Restoring nature and protecting our environment
- Enhancing rural and island communities
- Building the circular economy
Underpinning these Missions are a series of more specific Challenges, and further detailed Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) which will highlight policy topics where further research is needed to address challenges.
Prof Mathew Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser-ENRA said:
“Environmental and agricultural research is vital for Scotland’s people and rural economy. Scottish Government’s main way of funding research on this area is via the ENRA Research Programme. This research is primarily delivered via Scottish organisations which have been informing debate and shaping policy in this area.
“There are several key refinements in our strategy. We now focus on missions, whereby all research delivers against key government priorities. Research will be commissioned for its capacity to deliver impact by co-working with policy teams, farmers, or entrepreneurs to meet key challenges for missions. ”
Links
- Consultation paper: Consultation on 2027-32 Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Strategy August 2025 – Consultation on 2027-32 Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Strategy – gov.scot
- Consultation site: Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy 2027-32 – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space
