Scotland’s farmers hold a vital role. They provide high-quality food, create jobs in rural areas, and have the potential to help combat climate change. Yet, they need more support to succeed.
Farming in Scotland dates back to Neolithic times. For over 6,000 years, people have cultivated land and raised livestock. Today, agriculture contributes around £2.2 billion to the economy, ensuring food security and supporting rural livelihoods.
However, this progress has come at a cost. Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gases in Scotland, responsible for nearly 20% of total emissions, only behind domestic transport and buildings. As the climate changes, farming faces new challenges—shifting seasons, extreme weather, and land degradation.
Despite the urgency, efforts to reduce farming carbon emissions have been frustratingly slow, with only a 13% decrease since 1990. In recent years, agricultural emissions have stagnated, leading to discontent among environmental groups. Last year, members from these groups walked out of a government advisory board, voicing frustrations over minimal progress and indecision.
Scotland’s new Climate Change Plan offers a chance to shift focus. With effective policies, rural areas can become part of the solution.
Gillian Martin, the climate action and energy secretary, recently announced that Scotland may not adopt some recommended emissions-reduction strategies. This decision raised concerns among farmers and environmentalists alike.
Many farmers are seeking support for sustainable practices, like reducing nitrogen use and planting trees alongside livestock. Shockingly, only 10% of the £647 million in public funding currently helps nature-positive practices. Groups advocating for ecological farming want to raise that to 75% by the next parliamentary term.
Surveys reveal a strong public desire for change. Three-quarters of Scots believe farmers should be compensated for protecting nature and lowering emissions—not just for food production.
Farmers are already feeling the effects of climate change. Last year, Scotland faced its hottest temperatures on record, leading to severe droughts that affected harvests significantly.
Matt Griffin, a sheep and beef farmer in the Borders, describes the unpredictable weather as “whiplash.” He participates in the Nature Friendly Farming Network and promotes sustainable practices to enhance soil health and his business.
Griffin notes that aligning farming with nature can bring financial and social benefits too. “If farmers embrace these methods, they can see a triple win—environmental, economic, and community.”
As we face a climate crisis, it’s crucial to act. Declaring a climate emergency without taking real steps against emissions in agriculture lacks credibility. It’s time to sow the seeds of change for a sustainable future.
