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Support Grows for Farmers and Crofters Facing Climate Challenges
Practical guidance on changing weather, resilience planning, and sustainable water management to safeguard rural livelihoods.
Farmers and crofters are being offered a wide range of practical support to help them adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, with new resources focusing on resilience, water management, and sustainable farming practices.
Rural and island communities are facing mounting challenges as climate change drives more extreme and unpredictable weather. Hotter summers, prolonged dry spells, and intense rainfall events are putting pressure on crops, livestock, and water supplies. Recognising these risks, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) has developed a suite of guidance and tools to help farmers and crofters safeguard their businesses and communities.
FAS website provides valuable resources to help plan when Responding to Changing Weather, which provides tailored advice for dealing with drought, heat stress in livestock, flooding, and storm damage. From forage budgeting guides to tips on transporting animals safely in hot weather, the platform offers practical steps to build resilience and maintain productivity during adverse conditions.
Recent studies highlight how Scotland’s weather patterns are shifting, with longer dry periods and more frequent flooding events. Reports on Changing Weather Patterns: Evidence and Suggestions outlines the scientific evidence behind these changes and offers practical recommendations. These include diversifying crop choices, improving soil health, and investing in water storage infrastructure. By adopting these measures, farmers and crofters can reduce vulnerability and prepare for the long-term impacts of climate change.
Water scarcity has become a pressing issue, particularly for potato and vegetable producers who rely on irrigation. To address this, FAS has published detailed guidance on Sustainable Water Management. This resource explores innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting, irrigation lagoons, and boreholes, alongside nature-based approaches like “magic margins” that reduce runoff and soil erosion.
The guidance also highlights regulatory frameworks around water abstraction, ensuring that crofters and farmers remain compliant while protecting local ecosystems. Case studies demonstrate how Scottish agriculture is already adopting new technologies and practices to secure water supplies and reduce environmental impact.
Support for farmers and crofters is not limited to technical advice. FAS also provides access to funding opportunities, training, and collaborative projects aimed at strengthening rural resilience. Initiatives such as catchment-based water management and partnerships with organisations like SEPA ensure that communities are better prepared to respond collectively to climate pressures.
By combining evidence-based recommendations, practical guides, and financial support, Scotland is equipping its farmers and crofters with the tools they need to thrive in a changing climate. These resources underscore the importance of proactive planning and sustainable practices in safeguarding the future of Scottish agriculture.
Farmers and crofters can access vital support through FAS’s dedicated resources on changing weather patterns, responding to changing weather, and sustainable water management. Together, these resources provide a comprehensive framework for adapting to climate change while protecting Scotland’s rural and island communities, economy and environment.
