Scotland farm policy seeks to protect peatlands and wetlands

Protecting wetlands and peatlands will feature at every level of Scotland’s future farm policy, starting in 2025, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon has confirmed.

The Scottish government published its Vision for Agriculture last year, and intends to introduce an agriculture bill in the next parliamentary year.

See also: NFU Scotland demand 80% of funding goes to farmers as direct payments

That vision includes a four-tier system of support, with “base payments” to support farmers, “enhanced payments” to encourage environmental delivery, “elective payments” to bolster nature, and “complementary support” for things such as training and advice.

On a visit to Brussels this week, Ms Gougeon stressed that the protection of peatlands and wetlands will be one of the conditions in Scotland’s post-Brexit policy, “weaving the care of these important habitats right through our future rural support”.

Ms Gougeon was also keen to draw parallels between Scotland’s emerging rural policy and the EU’s CAP, noting that protecting wetlands and peatlands is now one of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (Gaec) standards EU farmers have to meet.

“This outcome is closely aligned to and supportive of our own vision, and there is considerable scope and rationale for Scotland to adopt a similar approach as part of our future support system,” she said.

Ms Gougeon said more information on future conditions for Scottish farm support will be published “this summer” in an updated Agricultural Reform Route Map for farmers, crofters and land managers.

“I want to ensure Scotland is at the heart of how EU is progressing its rural policies and legislation,” she added.