Farmers at the heart of nature recovery and climate resilience

NatureScot’s new four-year plan focuses on strengthening its continuing work with farmers and crofters to develop and improve the skills, tools and support needed for a future where nature recovery and food production go hand in hand.

Through its Farming with Nature programme, NatureScot is supporting farmers to take action for nature and climate. Working with the agricultural sector, the agency is developing tools that will help farmers and landowners recognise the habitats and biodiversity on their land and measure the potential benefits they can bring to both nature and their business.

Farmer-led findings from the programme feed into the Scottish Government’s future reforms to the agricultural support package, where at least half of all funding will be targeted towards outcomes for increasing biodiversity and climate resilience.

Scientific evidence shows that the future of conventional farming is at risk from more frequent and severe climate events such as flooding, drought and wildfire. Food production faces threats from increased pests and disease, soil loss, reduced water availability and heat stress in animals. Further nature loss will lead to reduced pollination, poorer soil health, loss of pest predators and increased reliance on fertilisers and pesticides.

Jock McFarlane on Easter Rattray Farm near Blairgowrie took a gradual approach to improving soil health and water cycling which are at the heart of his regenerative farming ethos. As well as being good for nature, it helps Easter Rattray Farm’s bottom line too. The eight-year project saw the introduction of cover crops and a no-till method that enhances soil structure and its organic content. With the farm on steep, stony land, he says himself that he needed to develop a sustainable system based on soil health rather than chase output. Even so, he is now seeing yields in line with neighbours in his part of Scotland.

NatureScot’s Deputy Director of Green Economy, Claudia Rowse said:

“Farm businesses across Scotland are facing significant challenges as they seek to maintain profitability against escalating costs, but it’s no longer about choosing between nature and food production.

“Our new plan sets out our strong commitment to supporting farmers and crofters across the country to make the transition from conventional farming systems, towards low carbon, high nature farming.

“Working with nature offers the best resilience to future climate shocks, helping to safeguard long-term production and profitability. We want to help farming with nature become the future of farming in Scotland.”

NFU Scotland’s Director of Policy, Jonnie Hall said:

“NFU Scotland welcomes NatureScot’s continued commitment to supporting farmers and crofters as partners in delivering nature recovery and climate resilience, alongside high-quality food production and the underpinning of our rural communities.

“Scotland’s farmers and crofters are already playing a crucial role in managing our valued habitats and wildlife, and iconic landscapes, while delivering on climate mitigation and adaptation.

“It’s refreshing that this corporate plan recognises practical realities on the ground while aiming to provide the skills, tools and confidence to adopt new approaches. This will help ensure that nature rich and economically viable farming and crofting can become the norm. We look forward to working closely with NatureScot to make sure this transition works for every farm business across Scotland.”