Agribusiness News October 2024 – Policy Brief

Climate Change Bill Published

With the call for views closing on the 16^th of August 2024, the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill has now progressed to Stage 1 of the parliamentary process.

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill seeks to amend the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, in response to the Climate Change Committee’s advice that Scotland’s interim emissions reduction target for 2030 was beyond what could be achieved.

Given that the chain of events set off by the Global pandemic in 2020 and the impact this had on the agricultural sector alone in terms of energy and fertiliser pricing and usage; it is of no surprise that the initial Climate Change Bill’s carbon budgets have gone a bit awry.   Therefore, based on recommendations from the Climate Change Committee, the new Bill is seeking to set a limit on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted over each five-year period starting with 2026-2030, to provide a more reliable framework for emissions reduction.

If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the legislation will also change the current deadline to finalise the next Climate Change Plan for Scotland, so that the Plan can align with the timescale for carbon budgets.

As part of Stage 1, a debate will take place on 10 October 2024  to consider and decide on the general principles of the Bill.  Further information on the new Bill is available through this link: Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

Licencing Canine Fertility Services

Under new plans to improve animal welfare, the Scottish Government has announced proposals to introduce a strict licensing framework for canine fertility businesses.

The planned licensing scheme will clamp down on unethical breeding practices, regulate the services offered, ensure higher standards of care and protect animal welfare.

The proposals are a response to concerns raised by those in the veterinary profession and key animal welfare organisations regarding the unregulated nature of businesses offering canine fertility services.

Businesses offering canine fertility services will be licensed annually, and subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

Secondary legislation to allow for licensing of canine fertility clinics will be introduced to Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

As a part of the consultation published in February 2024, consideration is also being given to the need for registration or licencing of commercial dog walkers, dog groomers, animal boarding facilities including day care and livery services and riding establishments.  While some registration/licencing requirement are already covered by existing legislation; it is generally viewed as outdated and in need of modernisation.

For more information on the consultation findings, please click on this link.

Children and Farm Machinery

With harvest well underway and school ‘tattie’ holidays getting underway this month; following the prosecution of a grandparent for having his grandchild in the tractor cab, it is important that all family members and staff are aware that under Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, children under  the age of 13 are specifically prohibited from riding in or driving any agricultural machinery.

The law also requires that employers make sure their risk assessment for young people under the age of 18 takes full account of their inexperience, immaturity and lack of awareness of relevant risks.

For further information and guidance, please follow this link Children and public safety – HSE

Woodburning Stoves Update

Following the introduction of the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) regulations which came into effect on the 1^st of April 2024; the Scottish Government has temporarily suspended the ban on the installation of woodburning stoves and other biofuel heating systems including peat in new houses and building conversions.

As the review of the ban commissioned in May is nearing completion; the Scottish Government expects its recommendations to be implemented by the end of this year.

Key dates

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