Agricultural transition in Scotland

On 25^th August 2021, the Scottish Government published the ‘Agricultural Transition in Scotland: first steps towards our national policy’ consultation, seeking views on number of key questions intended to inform wider work on the development of agricultural policy and in particular the replacement to CAP.

The consultation covered themes identified by the Farmer Led Groups (FLGs), which were established to develop advice and proposals to the Scottish Government on emissions reduction.

The FLGs made proposals accross a number of topics, including: Baselining, Capital Funding, Biodiversity, Just Transition, Sequestration, Productivity, Research & Development, Knowledge & Skills and Supply Chains.

There were 314 responses to the consultation. Of these, the majority (224) were received from individuals, and 90 were received from groups/organisations.

In summary, respondents said:

1. There was a clear consensus that agricultural businesses which receive financial support from the Scottish Government should be required to undertake baseline data collection, and that data should be collated nationally. This was considered vital to monitoring progress, useful for future planning, and necessary to drive action and policy development. There were, however, calls for data collection to be straightforward and reflect the diversity of farm types, and for clear and accessible training and guidance for farmers on how to collect and use the data. Some questioned if productivity is the best measure of success, arguing that environmental and biodiversity improvements, profitability and efficiency should also be considered.
2. Respondents were clear that capital funding should be provided for items with a clear link to wider environmental improvement, and not solely to items which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This included items which could improve biodiversity, land, soil and crop management. Several suggested funding for actions which may improve food production or business efficiency and productivity, given the latter could indirectly reduce emissions.
3. Many actions to enhance biodiversity were proposed, with the vast majority agreeing this should be incentivised. Views were mixed on the role of forestry, grazing and livestock numbers in carbon sequestration, and there was clear support for the protection of peatland. There were calls for sectoral guidance on land use change, and for a joined-up approach to land use planning. The commercial, environmental and socio-economic benefits to agriculture of a Just Transition were cited. Respondents also highlighted the challenges of funding the actions required, of overcoming established attitudes and practices, and a lack of knowledge and skills in the sector. 
4. Most attached a high level of importance to knowledge exchange, skills development and innovation in agriculture, and there was widespread support for further research. Various forms of education were suggested, including individualised support, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and improved information and advisory services. Mixed views were evident over whether CPD should be mandatory for businesses receiving public support.
5. The green credentials of Scottish produce could be enhanced through shortening supply chains, encouraging consumers to shop locally, and having clear, transparent product labelling. While some supported a role for farm assurance, others disagreed.

An analysis of the responses to the ‘Agricultural Transition in Scotland: first steps towards our national policy’ consultation has been produced.

Initial analysis of the responses have informed the upcoming Statutory Consultation on the proposals for the Agriculture Bill. The responses will provide a useful evidence base for the Scottish Government and the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board (ARIOB) to draw on when developing the Agriculture Bill.