A new programme to support farming’s contribution to meeting Scotland’s climate change ambitions is to receive £40 million of initial funding.
The Agricultural Transformation Programme will support the agricultural industry to undertake a range of potential actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable farming and land use.
It will also seek to improve the environmental sustainability of the sector by protecting and restoring natural habitats and building sustainability through business practices that encourage productivity, innovation and inclusion.
Announcing funding for the Programme for Government commitment at the NFUS annual AGM, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“Scotland’s land and the manner in which we use and manage it must adapt and change if we are to meet our ambitious net zero targets.
“The main focus of this programme is to offer practical and effective ways to enable farmers, crofters and land managers to make changes to their business so they drive forward the transition to a low carbon future, delivering a sustainable, productive, and profitable agricultural sector.
“While we will set out the detail of how the fund will operate in due course, our Programme for Government has already set out our steps in response to the climate emergency, including significantly increasing tree planting levels, restoring peatland, and promoting low carbon agricultural practices, including organic practices. This programme will build upon these foundations to position the sector to take advantage of the green economy.
“Let me be clear though, achieving this will require every one of us to think about what you can do to ensure you play your part in transitioning to a net zero future.”
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