Agribusiness News December 2024 – Policy Brief

Preparing for Sustainable Farming

Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) was introduced in 2022 as part of the first phase of Track 1 of the National Test Programme (NTP).  The aim was to help farmers and crofters prepare their farms and crofts to meet the conditions of future agriculture policy and support.

With the claim year drawing to a close on the 31^st of December; there is only a relatively short period of time left for farmers and crofters to seek to carry out, one or more of the three options currently being funded namely:

• Carbon Audits
• Soil Sampling and Analysis
• Animal Health and Welfare Interventions

Work must be completed by the 31^st of December 2024.  To meet the grant conditions, invoices must be paid in full and claims submitted by the 28^th of February 2025.  Please note: claims received after this date will not be eligible for payment.

Woodburning Stoves

Following significant lobbying by the rural community and Rural and Agricultural bodies, wood-burning stoves, bioenergy and peat heating will now be permitted in new homes and buildings following a review of the New Build Heat Standard commissioned by ministers earlier this year.

Under amendments being made under the Building (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2024, the installation of bioenergy and peat main heating systems and any type of secondary heating system will be permitted in new buildings from 1 January 2025.  The prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers as a main heating system will go ahead as planned.

Vacant Crofts

Recognising the significant economic, social, and environmental benefits that crofting provides, the Crofting Commission is committed to maximising the productive use of croft land.   As vacant crofts represent a lost opportunity, particularly in areas where demand for crofts outstrips supply; the Crofting Commission has launched a new initiative to bring vacant crofts back into active use, with an overarching aim of creating new opportunities for housing, livelihoods, and community development.

The Commission has implemented new procedures to monitor vacant crofts and investigate reports of non-compliance. This includes a focus on owner-occupiers who may not be fulfilling the requirements of active cultivation or residency. The Commission will take appropriate action to ensure that croft land is utilised in accordance with the law.

Climate Change Bill

To help meet the commitment to achieving net zero by 2045, the Scottish Government passed the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill on the 24^th of November.

The Climate Change Bill will see Scotland moving from annual emission targets to using five year carbon budgets to set climate targets based on expert advice from the Climate Change Committee.

These longer term budgets will aim to provide a more reliable framework for emissions reduction and will introduce limits on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland over a five-year period.

Proposed New National Park

NatureScot has opened the formal (statutory) consultation on whether a new National Park should be established in Galloway and parts of South and East Ayrshire. The formal consultation will run until the 14^th of February 2025.

While at this stage, no decision has been made to formally establish a National Park in Galloway, Scottish Ministers are keen to gauge the level of support for the proposal and also to hear about alternative options.  To have your say, please click on this link:  A Proposed New National Park in Scotland – Have Your Say | NatureScot

Launch of Scotland’s Natural Capital Market Framework.

A new plan to attract responsible private investment into natural capital markets has been launched for Scotland. The framework provides guidance for investors, land managers and communities on attracting responsible private investment into peatlands, woodlands and nature restoration. Its focus is on maintaining the high standards that have been set by the Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code. For more information, please see online at: Natural Capital Market Framework – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Christine Beaton, christine.beaton@sac.co.uk

 

Key Dates

Date	Action
31st Dec 24	Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme application window closes
31st Dec 24	Deadline for Preparing for Sustainable Farming work to be completed