Draft bill aims to deliver sustainable farming for Scotland

Supporting farmers and crofters to produce food more sustainably, work with nature and reduce emissions is at the heart of new draft legislation for Scotland.

The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (PDF) will reform how Scottish government will support farming and food production, with the aim of making Scotland a global leader in sustainable and regenerative farming.

The bill will begin its progression through the Scottish parliament, with an expectation that it will be adopted by summer 2024. 

See also: Scotland farm policy seeks to protect peatlands and wetlands

It will replace the current CAP and give Scottish ministers powers to develop a new support framework, due to be introduced from 2026 onwards.

“Our vision is for Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture,” said Mairi Gougeon, cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands.

“Introducing this new bill to parliament is a significant milestone in reforming the support systems that will empower Scotland’s farmers and crofters to cut climate emissions and restore nature, helping us achieve that vision.”

NFU Scotland (NFUS) welcomed the publication of the bill as a “key step forward”, but said the policy was lacking detail and now needs attention.

The union said secondary legislation which will follow the bill must support active farmers and crofters by putting agricultural production at its centre, “as only this will underpin the nation’s ambitions for climate action, nature restoration, rural communities and the wider rural development”.

NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall said: “It is vital that Scottish ministers have the necessary powers at their disposal to deliver a future support framework that works for farmers and crofters and works for Scotland.

“Scottish agriculture is up to the task, but it will need economically viable support to provide financial stability and to recognise and reward the vast array of positive outcomes that only active farming and crofting can provide.”

Four-tier approach

NFUS members need the Scottish government to use 2024 and 2025 as an effective, smooth transition for all agricultural businesses to hit the ground running from 2026, he added.

Scottish government is continuing to work with NFUS and other industry stakeholders to co-develop the four-tier support framework, which will underpin Scotland’s future agriculture support regime.

In the meantime, ministers say they remain committed to supporting active farming and food production with direct payments now, and have a phased approach for integrating new conditionality.