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Less Favoured Area practices report published
A report published about the uptake of Less Favoured Area (LFA) by farmers and crofters has been published.
Research has been published to assess the opportunities and motivations for the uptake of specific sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices amongst Less Favoured Area (LFA) farmers and crofters.
The research commissioned by Scottish Government is expected to inform the design of a new support programme to replace those implemented under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy.
Four specific groups of practices were identified for assessment:
- Carbon emissions reduction measures (including carbon audits, soil testing, and livestock efficiency measures)
- Peatland restoration
- Tree planting and woodland natural regeneration
- Biodiversity measures (including permanent and temporary management practices)
To date, there has been limited evaluation of the uptake of these practices amongst LFA farmers and crofters. Researchers undertook: a literature review, interviews with 9 key informants and 13 opinion leaders, 3 in situ workshops in different regions of Scotland, and 4 online focus groups, engaging over 120 participants in total.
The results underline a need for diversified and locally adapted support policies for LFA. This is particularly important for enabling the adoption of sustainable and regenerative farming, as practices adapted for one specific area will not necessarily work for another.
The study also shows that beyond direct support, indirect supports to enable the relocalisation of food systems could be beneficial to the adoption of regenerative farming practices, as well as addressing depopulation. Participants underlined the need for the development of local markets and infrastructure (such as abattoirs) in line with recommendation of the British Ecological Society (2005) report regarding the need for shorter (local) and equitable supply chains.
The research team highlighted the positive contributions and involvement of the participants in this research, including scientists, collaborating organisations, farmers and crofters who dedicated time to interviews and workshops.
They were particularly grateful to National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), Soil Association Scotland (SAS), the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) and the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN Scotland) who supported online workshops.
Read the full report at: Less Favoured Area (LFA) farmers and crofters – sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices: report – gov.scot
