Jack Frater: Scottish policy vacuum causing planning headaches – Farmers Weekly
Jack Frater: Scottish policy vacuum causing planning headaches FarmersWeekly
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© Jack Frater Agriculture in Scotland: Progress and Uncertainty
Agriculture is a devolved matter in Scotland, with decisions made by the Scottish Parliament. The recent Bute House Agreement between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Green Party has created a sense of fear and trepidation among many, including myself.
The New Scottish Agriculture Bill
Fortunately, there is some progress with the introduction of a new Scottish Agriculture Bill. This bill will replace the old European Union (EU) scheme over the next few years. While some details are emerging, there is still a lack of clarity, causing headaches for several businesses I am involved with as an agricultural consultant.
Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The new Scottish policy will place significant emphasis on environmental factors, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Practices such as regenerative farming will be promoted, which is a positive step towards achieving the SDGs.
Uncertainty and Challenges
However, this transition period has created a state of limbo. Farmers who are implementing changes now are unsure if they will miss out on support payments or grant funding in the coming years. This uncertainty has led to delays in making important investments, such as purchasing direct drills, as farmers hope for potential capital funding.
Additionally, some farmers are hesitant to conduct carbon audits because they fear that if the results are too good, they may struggle to show further improvements and miss out on direct support payments.
This lack of clarity makes it incredibly difficult to plan ahead when the future is uncertain.
English Policy and Direct Support in Scotland
While most of my professional work is focused in Scotland, I still have a vested interest in English policy. English policy is further along in its implementation, although it has faced challenges. In contrast, direct support in Scotland is expected to continue until at least 2027.
The Future of Farming
As an agricultural consultant, I am constantly asked about the long-term prospects for farming. However, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer when there are so many uncertainties. The future of farming in Scotland and England remains uncertain, and only time will tell who will benefit in the long run.
About the author
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
- Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
- Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type. |
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Source: fwi.co.uk
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