Publication - Progress report

Climate Change Plan: monitoring reports 2022

Published: 26 May 2022
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate, +2 more … Chief Economist Directorate, Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Economy, Energy, Environment and climate change, +6 more … Farming and rural, Housing, Programme for Government, Public sector, Transport, Work and skills
ISBN: 9781804354520

The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.

Supporting documents

Chapter 7: Agriculture

Part A - Overview of sector

The 2019 annual emissions envelope set in the 2018 Climate Change Plan^[18] for this sector was for 8.4 MtCO₂e, the actual emission statistics for this year show a position of 7.5 MtCO₂e^[19]. As such, the sector was within its envelope during 2019.

The updated Plan sets out the following six policy outcomes for the sector, the indicators for which are summarised below:

A more productive, sustainable agriculture sector that significantly contributes toward delivering Scotland’s climate change, and wider environmental, outcomes through an increased uptake of climate mitigation measures by farmers, crofters, land managers and other primary food producers

There are no indicators for this policy outcome. More information is provided in the body of this report.

More farmers, crofters, land managers and other primary food producers are aware of the benefits and practicalities of cost effective climate mitigation measures	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
Increased engagement with Farm Advisory Services on environmental issues and climate change	x

Nitrogen emissions, including from nitrogen fertiliser, will have fallen through a combination of improved understanding efficiencies and improved soil condition	On Track	Too Early to Say
Use of Nitrogen fertilisers	x
Spreading precision of Nitrogen fertilisers	x
Nitrogen use efficiency for crop production		x

Reduced emissions from red meat and dairy through improved emissions intensity	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
Time taken from birth to slaughter and increased efficiency through improved health and reduced losses	x

Reduced emissions from the use and storage of manure and slurry	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
Improvement in covered slurry storage	x
Precision application of manure and slurry			x

Carbon sequestration and existing carbon stores on agricultural land have helped to increase and maintain our carbon sink.	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
Hectares of peatland restored per year		x
Area of woodland on agricultural land	x

Just transition and cross economy Impacts:

We wish to understand and report on the broader just transition and cross-economy impacts of our emissions-reduction activities in addition to these sector specific policy outcomes and indicators. To do this, we use data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS): Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE) publication. The LCREE is based on survey data of businesses which perform economic activities that deliver goods and services that are likely to help generate lower emissions of greenhouse gases, for example low carbon electricity, low emission vehicles and low carbon services.

The LCREE indicator is narrowly defined and, while useful within its limited scope, does not give us the full picture of the impacts on workforce, employers and communities and progress towards a just transition.

This year we have also included ONS experimental statistics that look at green activity in the economy. These stats reflect green activities in both LCREE and non-LCREE sectors.

Over the next few years we will work to develop a meaningful set of success outcomes and indicators aimed at tracking the impacts of our policies on a just transition to net zero.

Sector commentary on progress

Our vision for the future of agriculture in Scotland is a positive one, with a clear ambitious aim: to transform how we support farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

The National Test Programme (NTP) was announced in October 2021 and, over the next three years will deliver Scottish Government investment of up to £51 million. It is based on, and informed by, the work and recommendations of the Farmer-led Groups, particularly to ensure we begin with tackling the most urgent needs, and will create a base upon which to build a whole-farm low carbon approach. An outline of the NTP was published ahead of COP26.

The first phase NTP, ‘Preparing for Sustainable Farming’(PSF), was launched in Spring and aims to help farmers and crofters to prepare their farms to meet the conditions of future agriculture policy and support and is open to all. Further information on PSF is available on the Scottish Government website, including comprehensive guidance for those seeking to get involved.

The NTP sits in the wider context of the agricultural transformation to support farmers and crofters to transition from the EU CAP regime to a future rural support mechanism which will deliver our Vision for Agriculture. We are planning to introduce enhanced conditionality for payments with targeted outcomes for environmental and biodiversity gain, and a drive towards low carbon approaches. The NTP will help farmers, crofters and land managers to understand how economically and environmentally sustainable farming will be supported and rewarded in future, and the learning provided will inform the future policy and service design.

The work on the NTP is being co-developed with industry to ensure that farmers, crofters and land managers help inform the process as we move towards the new Scottish Agriculture Bill which will be brought forward in 2023 and will provide a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy. It will help ensure that when the new Agriculture Bill becomes law, the right tools and support are in place. From 2025, the climate and biodiversity performance of businesses will determine the level of agricultural support payments.

During this time a new Scottish Agriculture Bill will be brought forward to provide a replacement for CAP. The Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board (ARIOB) has been established to develop new proposals for sustainable farming support.

Regulations came into force from 1 January 2022 to consolidate the Silage Surry and Agricultural Fuel Oil(Scotland) Regulations 2003 into The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. These included improved controls on the storage of slurry and digestate to reduce leakage, and a move to precision spreading methods to maximise the nutrient benefit and reduce emissions. This will provide benefits to water quality, air quality, and climate change mitigation. Support will be available to farmers in 2022 for low emission slurry spreading equipment and slurry store covers that will help farmers, crofters and agricultural contractors comply with new regulatory requirements, reducing harmful ammonia emissions and adverse impacts on water quality from the storage and spreading of livestock slurry and digestate.

Advice and support for farmers and crofters on how to mitigate their emissions continues to be provided through the Farm Advisory Service, Farming for a Better Climate and Farming and Water Scotland.

Developments in monitoring arrangements since last report

A new indicator on the nitrogen use efficiency of crop production in Scotland has been added to this year’s monitoring report. This is a new indicator which has been added following new data available through the Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet which was published on 15 December 2021.

Part B - Progress to Policy Outcome Indicators

Policy Outcome:

Cross-sectoral social and economic indicator

Indicator

FTE employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy

On-Track Assessment (Milestone/Targets)

Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 2020

Data Source(s): Office of National Statistics: Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE), Time spent of Green Tasks

Assessment: Too early to Say

In 2020, the Scottish low carbon renewable energy (LCREE) sectors were estimated to directly provide 20,500 jobs, down from 21,700 in 2019 and from a high of 24,000 in 2016.
The estimates of LCREE are based on a relatively small sample of businesses and hence are subject to wide confidence intervals. LCREE employment in Scotland in 2020 is similar to previous years and the difference is not statistically higher or lower than any previous year.

A graph showing the Employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy. In 2020, the Scottish low carbon renewable energy (LCREE) sectors were estimated to directly provide 20,500 jobs, down from 21,700 in 2019 and from a high of 24,000 in 2016. The estimates of LCREE are based on a relatively small sample of businesses and hence are subject to wide confidence intervals. LCREE employment in Scotland in 2020 is similar to previous years and the difference is not statistically higher or lower than any previous year. — Employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy, FTE

Agriculture Graph 1

Source: Scottish Government presentation of ONS stats

The ONS also released experimental statistics on a wider perspective of green activity in the economy with their time spent on green tasks release. These stats reflect green activities in both LCREE and non-LCREE sectors.
This release showed that in 2019 Scotland achieved an all-time high of hours spent on green tasks and proportion of workers doing green tasks, including workers who spend more than 20% of their time on green tasks.
The proportion of workers doing green tasks in Scotland was 36% in 2019, up from 23.8% in 2004. Workers who have spent more than 20% of their time doing green tasks was 14%, up from 9% in 2004.
The proportion of overall hours spend doing green tasks in Scotland was 7%, up from 4.9% in 2004.

A graph showing a wider perspective of green activity in the economy with their time spent on green tasks release. These stats reflect green activities in both : Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy and non- Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy sectors. This release showed that in 2019 Scotland achieved an all-time high of hours spent on green tasks and proportion of workers doing green tasks, including workers who spend more than 20% of their time on green tasks. The proportion of workers doing green tasks in Scotland was 36% in 2019, up from 23.8% in 2004. Workers who have spent more than 20% of their time doing green tasks was 14%, up from 9% in 2004. The proportion of overall hours spend doing green tasks in Scotland was 7%, up from 4.9% in 2004. — Green Tasks Statistics, percentage

Agriculture graph 2

Source: Scottish Government presentation of ONS stats

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Increased engagement with Farm Advisory Services on environmental issues and climate change

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Based on trend

Most recent data: Farm Advisory Service (FAS) reporting / website engagement. Farming for a Better Climate end of Programme report, including data on website engagement and number of workshops. Engagement with Skillseeder on environmental / climate change issues.

Data source(s): Farm Advisory Service Annual Reports

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

Across the Farm Advisory Service and Farming for a Better Climate, engagement is broadly increasing year on year. The number of people receiving advice through FAS dropped in 2020, mainly due to Covid-19 related issues and events being replaced by online activities and there was an exceptional year in 2019 with high numbers of carbon audits being undertaken due to the requirements of the Beef Efficiency Scheme.

Farm Advisory Service

Number receiving advice through FAS
Focus Area	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	Total
2A	2,293	1,749	3,086	1,763	3,513	12,404
2B	812	960	1,671	2,566	1,996	8,005
3B	2,088	1,999	3,634	1,645	1,368	10,734
4	1,960	1,936	3,047	1,224	1,817	9,984
5B	616	688	1,334	1,560	2,617	6,815
Total	7,769	7,332	12,772	8,758	11,311	47,942

Focus Areas:

2A - Improving the economic performance of all farms and facilitating farm restructuring and modernisation, notably with a view to increasing market participation and orientation as well as agricultural diversification

2B - Facilitating the entry of adequately skilled farmers into the agricultural sector and, in particular, generational renewal

3B - Supporting farm risk prevention and management

4 - Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry

5B - Increasing efficiency in energy use in agriculture and food processing

A barchart showing the applications to one-to one Farm advisory service. In 2021, the demand for one-to-one element of FAS followed the broad trends of previous years: Specialist advice exceeded targets by 113%; Carbon audits were 64% above target (409 applications against a target of 250); Integrated Land Management Plans (ILMPs) only reached 25% of the target; Mentoring only reached 37% of the target. Other activities through FAS had high engagement in 2021: 167 knowledge transfer events were held. The total attendance was 4,850 (121% of the predicted). Publications were downloaded more than 220,270 times, an increase on 2020. — Applications to One-to-One Farm Advisory Service

Agriculture graph 3

Source: One-to-one annual report

Note: ILMP refers to Integrated Land Management Plans

In 2021, the demand for one-to-one element of FAS followed the broad trends of previous years:

Specialist advice exceeded targets by 113%;
Carbon audits were 64% above target (409 applications against a target of 250);
Integrated Land Management Plans (ILMPs) only reached 25% of the target;
Mentoring only reached 37% of the target.

Other activities through FAS had high engagement in 2021:

167 knowledge transfer events were held. The total attendance was 4,850 (121% of the predicted).
Publications were downloaded more than 220,270 times, an increase on 2020.

Farming for a Better Climate

Farming for a Better Climate has generated engagement from the sector:

Farming for a Better Climate has received over 90,000 webpage visits with nearly 300,000 page views from an international audience.
- Page visits count the number of sessions per visitor, so the 90,000 visitors to Farming for a Better Climate have looked at over 300,000 pages, suggesting that visitors to the Farming for a Better Climate webpages find the content engaging.
- The average time on the Farming for a Better Climate pages is over 13 minutes, again suggesting that visitors find the content engaging.
There has been a significant increase in traffic to Farming for a Better Climate webpages from 2020 to 2021:
- Web page visits -75.5% increase
- Page views - 118.8% increase
- Unique page views - 68.4% increase
- Maximum actions per visit (visitor viewed multiple pages) - 248.9% increase
- Average time spent on the pages - 41.8% increase
- Total searches carried out - 151.8% increase
Case studies were viewed 8,862 times (unique page views)
Farming for a Better Climate have produced 36 videos which were played a total of 35,665 times and nine podcasts which have been listened to a total of 1,269 times

Policy

Outcome

Use of Nitrogen fertilisers

Indicator

Based on trend

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Most recent data: 2020

Data source(s): British survey of fertiliser practice 2020

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

This data shows that from 2000, the use of nitrogen fertilisers has decreased overall, with some fluctuation.

Nitrogen use decreased between 2002 and 2011 followed by and increase to 2017. Since 2017, there has been a downward trend from 157kt total nitrogen use in 2017 to 131kt total nitrogen use in 2020.

Total nitrogen use (kt), Scotland 2000 to 2020

2001 - 180

2002 - 187

2003 - 170

2004 - 150

2005 - 150

2006 - 153

2007 - 126

2008 - 127

2009 - 124

2010 - 127

2011 - 124

2012 - 125

2013 - 139

2014 - 151

2015 - 155

2016 - 155

2017 - 157

2018 - 147

2019 - 150

2020 - 131

Agriculture graph 4

A graph showing the total nitrogen use in kilotonnes in Scotland from 2000 to 2020. From 2000, the use of nitrogen fertilisers has decreased overall, with some fluctuation. Nitrogen use decreased between 2002 and 2011 followed by and increase to 2017. Since 2017, there has been a downward trend from 157kilotonnes total nitrogen use in 2017 to 131 kilotonnes total nitrogen use in 2020.

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Spreading precision of Nitrogen fertilisers

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Based on trend

Most recent data: 2020

Data source(s): British survey of fertiliser practice 2020

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

This data shows that from 2000, the overall application rates of nitrogen fertilisers have decreased, with some fluctuation.

The trend shows that the overall nitrogen application rates decreased from 118 kg/ha in 2000 to 73kg/ha in 2020.

Total overall nitrogen application rates (kg/ha), Scotland 2000 to 2020

2000 - 118

2001 - 127

2002 - 119

2003 - 114

2004 - 107

2005 - 102

2006 - 98

2007 - 89

2008 - 81

2009 - 84

2010 - 80

2011 - 79

2012 - 79

2013 - 87

2014 - 87

2015 - 89

2016 - 86

2017 - 86

2018 - 85

2019 - 82

2020 - 73

A graph showing the total overall nitrogen application rates in kilograms per hectare in Scotland from 2000 to 2020. From 2000, the overall application rates of nitrogen fertilisers have decreased, with some fluctuation. The trend shows that the overall nitrogen application rates decreased from 118 kilograms per hectare in 2000 to 73 kilograms per hectare in 2020.

Agriculture graph 5

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Nitrogen use efficiency for crop production

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Based on trend

Most recent data: 2020

Data source(s): Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet

Assessment: Too early to say (baselining)

Crop production nutrient use efficiency ( NUE) for Scotland (all data 2019, except for N deposition which is 2018)
Inputs to arable land	kt N
mineral fertiliser	62.1
slurry/manure	17.8
atmospheric N deposition	4.0
seeds (sowing/planting)	1.7
digestate (non-crop/crop waste feedstocks only)	1.7
Biological N fixation (BNF) by arable crops	1.6
sewage sludge	1.2
Compost	0.9
total N inputs	90.2

Useful outputs	kt N
Food crops (inc. human-edible crops that end up as livestock feed, seed materials or biomass)	56.3
Fodder crops harvested (turnips, kale etc.)	1.9
total N outputs	58.2

Recycling terms (not included in either inputs or outputs for the purpose of this NUE calculation):

digestate from crops, crop residues

NUE = 65%

Commentary:

This is a new indicator which has been added following new data available through the Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet (SNBS) which was published on 15 December 2021. Crop production underpins much of wider food production, which in turn is the main engine of overall national nitrogen use in Scotland. Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is an important summary indicator metric that can be calculated from the comprehensive dataset on nitrogen flows assembled in the SNBS.

It is important to note that NUE in arable production inherently varies depending on farm type/systems, management, environmental conditions (soils, climate), etc. While good management can reduce losses, in practice some losses are inevitable due to continuous nitrogen transformation processes in soils and leaching. As such, crop production NUE values between 50-90% can generally be considered desirable but there is no simple one size fits all “good value.”

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Time taken from birth to slaughter and increased efficiency through improved health and reduced losses

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Based on trend

Most recent data: 2021

Data source(s): Cattle Tracing Scheme, analysis by Scotland's Rural University College

Assessment: On track

Average age of prime animal slaughter by farm type, Scotland 2015 to 2021
Beef	Mean Age (months)	Number of Animals
2015	21.86	150,788
2016	21.56	156,186
2017	21.41	147,741
2018	21.36	139,632
2019	21.43	145,839
2020	21.3	144,114
2021	21.08	142,870
Dairy
2015	22.34	17,273
2016	22.18	17,415
2017	22.13	14,213
2018	22.47	12,241
2019	22.01	12,435
2020	22.12	10,693
2021	21.99	8,765
Finisher
2015	23.73	176,831
2016	23.32	183,359
2017	23.15	182,683
2018	23.11	185,417
2019	23.13	182,444
2020	22.82	183,325
2021	22.49	182,295
Trader
2015	23.71	14,837
2016	22.75	10,801
2017	23.29	11,180
2018	22.01	12,457
2019	22.63	11,681
2020	22.4	11,021
2021	22.17	8,559
Grower
2015	24.53	3,390
2016	24.78	3,543
2017	23.63	4,524
2018	23.56	4,508
2019	23.95	4,103
2020	24.04	3,374
2021	23.99	2,592

Commentary:

The average age of prime animal slaughter decreased for all farm types between 2015 and 2021.

We expect this to continue to reduce towards around 18 months. However, as most calves are spring born, we do not expect the whole industry to shift to an 18-month age of slaughter and so we expect the mean age of slaughter to remain above 18 months.

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Improvement in covered slurry storage

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Based on trend

Most recent data: 2016

Data source(s): Farm Structure Survey 2016

Assessment: On track

Manure and slurry storage, Scotland 2013 and 2016
		All holdings with storage				…of which are covered		All holdings with storage				…of which are covered
		2013						2016
		Number of holdings		Percentage of all holdings		Number of holdings	As a percentage of holdings with storage	Number of holdings		Percentage of all holdings		Number of holdings	As a percentage of holdings with storage
Storage for solid dung		8,963	8,963	27.1	27.1	1253	12.7	6178	6178	19.2	19.2	720	11.7
Storage facilities for slurry…	In a tank	3,838	3487	11.6	10.5	2354	61.3	3007	2739	9.3	8.5	1872	62.3
Storage facilities for slurry…	In a lagoon	3,838	641	11.6	1.9	2354	61.3	3007	571	9.3	1.8	1872	62.3
Total		9882	9882	29.8	29.8	8482	85.8		7161		22.2	6204	86.6

Note: Sum of sub-categories do not equal base figure as holdings may employ more than one form of storage

Commentary:

The data show a small overall increase in the percentage of holdings with covered slurry stores between 2013 (85.8%) and 2016 (86.6%).

We expect the percentage of slurry stores that are covered to continue to increase over time. This is likely to increase at a similar rate to that of the change between 2013 and 2016 due to the significant investment required to cover slurry stores or build new slurry stores with covers.

This data was gathered as part of the Scottish Survey of Farm Structure and Methods in 2016. The next iteration of the survey had been scheduled for 2020. This was delayed due to COVID-19 but the data collected through this survey is included in the scope for the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Statistics Transformation Programme and should be available in the coming years.

The Sustainable Agricultural Capital Grants Scheme (SACGS) 2022 will have a focus on providing support for low emission slurry spreading equipment and slurry store covers that are proven to reduce harmful ammonia emissions and reduce adverse impacts on water quality resulting from the storage and spreading of livestock slurry and digestate.

There is also funding available through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) for slurry stores and between 2015 and 2021, 162 contracts for slurry stores through AECS have been accepted since 2015 with a total value of £6.26 million.

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Precision application of manure and slurry

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Based on trend

Most recent data: 2016

Data source(s): Farm Structure Survey 2016

Assessment: Too early to say (baselining)

Commentary:

Method of manure and slurry application by tonnage, Scotland 2016
	Holdings	Tonnes
	2016
Broadcast
Ploughed in or injected within four hours	920	385,842
Ploughed in after four hours	5,146	2,117,346
Not ploughed in or injected	4,957	9,322,483
Bandspread
Trailing hose	550	4,178,295
Trailing shoe	294	602,161
Injection
Shallow/ open slot	63	576,821
Deep/closed slot	11	31,043
Total applied	9,246	17,213,991

Policy Outcome

Indicator

Hectares of peatland restored per year

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

20,000 ha/y^[20]

Most recent data: Around 8,000 hectares on the road to recovery in 2021-22

Data source(s): NatureScot

Assessment: Off track

Commentary:

In 2021-22, circa 8,000 hectares of degraded peatland were set on the road to restoration through collective work by Peatland ACTION (NatureScot), Cairngorms National Park Authority, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Scottish Water and Forestry Land Scotland. This is an increase on the previous year (5,658 hectares restored) but it remains around 12,000 hectares short of our annual target of 20,000 hectares.

Scottish Government has provided funding for peatland restoration since 2012-13, which has resulted in around 30,000 hectares of restored peatland to date. The 2018 Climate Change Plan established a restoration target of 250,000 ha by 2030, with a cumulative target within that of 50,000 hectares by the end of 2019-20. Over that period circa 15,000 hectares have been set on the road to restoration, circa 35,000 hectares short of the 50,000 hectare target.

In 2022-23, it is forecast that around 11,000 hectares of peatland will be set on the road to recovery.

Peatland restoration is a relatively new industry and there are a number of complex challenges when it comes to upscaling restoration rates. In 2021-22 there were several operational challenges which impacted on peatland restoration rates including unexpected heavy snow in early December, Covid-related staff absences and reduced staff capacity for key delivery partners. There are also significant longstanding challenges including limited availability of experienced and skilled contractors for peatland restoration in Scotland and the UK more broadly.

We are working with partners and experts to consider transformative new delivery models that will enable us to increase the rate of peatland restoration to meet targets. In October 2021 we established a new Peatland Programme Board which will provide governance and oversight to the challenge of upscaling peatland restoration rapidly in the coming years.

Policy Outcome

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Area of woodland on agricultural land

Indicator

Based on trend

Most recent data: 2019

Data source(s): Forestry Statistics 2020

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

The area of farm woodland in Scotland has increased between 2010 and 2019. The area of farm woodland in Scotland has increased at an average rate of 15.93 thousand hectares per year over the period 2010 – 2019.

Area of farm woodland, Scotland 2010 to 2019 (thousand hectares)

2010 - 400

2011 - 426

2012 - 445

2013 - 467

2014 - 479

2015 - 524

2016 - 502

2017 - 560

2018 - 532

2019 - 529

a graph showing the area of farm woodland in thousand hectares for Scotland from 2010 to 2019. The area of farm woodland in Scotland has increased between 2010 and 2019. The area of farm woodland in Scotland has increased at an average rate of 15.93 thousand hectares per year over the period 2010 – 2019.

Agriculture graph 6

Part C - Information on implementation of individual policies

Outcome 1: A more productive, sustainable agriculture sector that significantly contributes towards delivering Scotland’s climate change, and wider environmental, outcomes through an increased uptake of climate mitigation measures by farmers, crofters, land managers and other primary food producers

Policy

Scale up the Agricultural Transformation Programme across all the policies, including monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the pilot Sustainable Agricultural Capital Grant Scheme that will enable farmers and crofters to purchase equipment that should assist in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, and support practice change.

Date announced

2019-2020 Programme for Government

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

We have committed to shifting half of all funding for farming and crofting from unconditional to conditional support by 2025, with targeted outcomes for biodiversity gain and a drive towards low carbon approaches which improve resilience, efficiency and profitability. Therefore, alongside the first track which will offer support to all farmers and crofters, a programme to test the application of environmental conditionality is being developed, the aim being to work with a cross section of farmers and crofters to learn from them how conditions can be applied effectively and appropriately. The first part of the Programme will be live from Spring 2022 and funding of £51 million will be available for the Programme over three years.

The Sustainable Agricultural Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) 2022, which is part of the wider agricultural transformation intentions, will be focussed on support for low emission slurry spreading equipment and slurry store covers that will help farmers, crofters and agricultural contractors comply with new regulatory requirements reducing harmful ammonia emissions and adverse impacts on water quality resulting from the storage and spreading of livestock slurry and digestate.

This follows a Scottish Government commissioned report assessing the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential of farm equipment funded through the pilot Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) concluded that there was a clear technical rationale for each item included in the pilot scheme and all the items had benefits to performance, business efficiency or the wider environment. However it also recognised that for some items there was a lack of sufficient and robust evidence/data in relation to emissions mitigation potential.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme will run for three years The new Agriculture Bill is to be introduced in 2023.

An initial survey of successful SACGS applicants from the pilot project is intended to be undertaken in 2022.

SACGS 2022 is expected to open for applications in Spring 2022 for a six week period. Following assessment of the applications successful applicants will be notified by mid-summer and will then have until the end of February 2023 to purchase the items and claim their grant.

Policy

Develop rural support policy to enable, encourage and where appropriate, require the shift to low carbon, sustainable farming through emissions reduction, sustainable food production, improving biodiversity, planting biomass crops and appropriate land use change developed in line with just transition principles.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

A new Scottish Agriculture Bill will be brought forward in 2023 to provide a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board (ARIOB) has been established to develop new proposals for sustainable farming support and its work will also be informed by the outcomes from the “Agricultural Transition in Scotland” consultation launched in August 2021 on key themes from the reports of the Farmer-led Groups. The Agricultural Vision was published on 2nd March 2022.

We are also committed to publishing a Just Transition Plan for Land and Agriculture which will ensure that nobody is left behind in our journey towards net zero.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

A consultation will run in 2022 to inform the introduction of a Scottish Agriculture Bill in 2023.

Policy

Develop new schemes and approaches to support low carbon, sustainable farming, including through the Programme Board for the Beef Suckler Climate Group, other farmer-led groups on arable, dairy and high value, nature farming and crofting which will report in 2021.

Date announced

2020-2021 PfG & Agriscot 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

We continue to support farmers, crofters and land managers to play their part in cutting emissions, addressing climate change as well as delivering wider biodiversity and environmental benefits.

We have committed £243 million through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) since 2015, and Ministers have committed to running new rounds of the Scheme until 2024.

SACGS 2022, which is part of the wider agricultural transformation intentions, will be focussed on support for low emission slurry spreading equipment and slurry store covers that will help farmers, crofters and agricultural contractors comply with new regulatory requirements reducing harmful ammonia emissions and adverse impacts on water quality resulting from the storage and spreading of livestock slurry and digestate.

The Natural Capital Pilot Programme (NCAPP) is a suite of partnership pilot projects led by NatureScot to test natural capital and outcomes-based approaches to land use at a variety of scales. The pilots will inform the development of future support for land-based businesses outside of the Common Agricultural Policy. It enables testing of innovative approaches natural capital investment and how that might support business resilience, job creation, quality food production and Scotland’s response to climate change and biodiversity priorities.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

An initial survey of successful SACGS applicants from the pilot project is intended to be undertaken in 2022.

Policy

Introduce Environmental Conditionality, from 2021 via implementation of the Beef Suckler Climate Report and, more widely from 2022, through the review of existing CAP Greening which will extend the requirements to all farmers and crofters to undertake environmental actions.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The National Test Programme, announced in October 2021, will support farmers and crofters in becoming world leaders in sustainable and regenerative agriculture through a twin-track approach. This will include support for every farmer and crofter to undertake a Carbon Audit and soil testing to support nutrient management planning. This first track will also put in place livestock data and performance systems for businesses with cattle, with the aim of improving both business and emissions performance. We have committed to shifting half of all funding for farming and crofting from unconditional to conditional support by 2025, with targeted outcomes for biodiversity gain and a drive towards low carbon approaches which improve resilience, efficiency and profitability. Therefore, alongside the first track which will offer support to all farmers and crofters, a programme to test the application of environmental conditionality is being developed, the aim being to work with a cross section of farmers and crofters to learn from them how conditions can be applied effectively and appropriately. The first part of the Programme will be live from Spring 2022 and funding of £51 million will be available for the Programme over three years.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

A consultation will run in 2022 to inform the introduction of a Scottish Agriculture Bill in 2023.

Policy

Further provision of advice for farmers and crofters who wish to retire: A new commitment to work with stakeholders to provide advice, including further extending the Land Matching Service and guidance for farmers and crofters who wish to step back from agricultural businesses by providing an opportunity to consider alternative land-uses or alternative agricultural uses.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The Scottish Land Matching Service (SLMS) has sought engagement from a range of stakeholders including the James Hutton Institute, Scottish Land Trust, the Soil Association, North East National Farmers Union Scotland, Scottish Crofting Federation, Tenant Farming Commission, FAS and the Institute for Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland to name a few. The SLMS team are working hard to ensure the crofting counties are being further supported and aware of the service by linking up with the Crofting Commission. SLMS advisors have also been attending FAS events to speak to farmer/crofters on issues of succession and joint ventures. The SLMS website is also being promoted by the FAS Programme.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

In 2022, we will be evaluating and considering how we can further develop the SLMS.

Outcome 2: More farmers, crofters, land managers and other primary food producers are aware of the benefits and practicalities of cost effective climate mitigation measures.

Policy

The dissemination of information and advice on climate change mitigation measures in agriculture through a range of communication methods utilising technology and all media to best effect.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The FAS has continued to offer easy access, up to date and relevant climate change mitigation knowledge and information to all farmers and crofters through a network of advisory centres, online resources and a telephone advice facility.

In 2021 the programme delivered produced 278 publications, 211 videos, 60 podcasts and 8 online tools, as well as 167 events and across the board we would conservatively estimate that more than 50% of this activity will be around climate change adaptation and mitigation support. Event attendees highlighted an improved knowledge of climate change, improved soil/nutrient management, and improved knowledge of environmental issues and opportunities.

In terms of FAS one to one support since 2016 they have delivered Carbon Audits to over 1,466 individual businesses and another 343 in the pipeline. A number of specialist advice outputs covering precision farming and nitrogen use have been undertaken under this FAS programme including: 293 improved farm efficiency, 152 woodland management and conservation, 132 biodiversity habitat landscape management, 51 climate change adaptation and mitigation, 28 on organics, 206 on soil and nutrient management,

The Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Practical Training Fund was established in February 2022. The Scottish Government funded Lantra Scotland to enable people to access the right practical training for their needs. It will provide people, across Scotland, working or looking to working in the land based sectors and those looking to retrain and upskill with access to funded support for practical training courses, enabling them to take positive action and undertake land management activities to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Lantra Scotland are utilising the Skillseeder platform so people can access eligible training courses and apply in the same place.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

For the training fund, Lantra Scotland will gather data on:

number of applications;
type of training;
diversity of applications;
geographical spread of applications;

Monitoring reports will be provided, initial feedback on the success of the training will be provided along with assessment 6 months after training has been completed.

Timeframe and expected next steps

Fund launched by Lantra Scotland 25 February 2022. Fund will be revised during FY 2022-23.

Policy

An agri-tech group will be established to share, disseminate and encourage adoption of advances in agricultural science and technology as widely as possible.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Completed

The agri-tech group has now concluded with outputs shared from the group to Scottish Government. The agri-tech group was an industry led group established in 2018 following a commitment in the Climate Change plan: ‘“An agri-tech group will be established to share, disseminate and encourage adoption of advances in agricultural science and technology as widely as possible."

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

Engagement with industry on agricultural science and technology has continued through the farmer led groups, ARIOB and the National Test Programme.

Policy

Launch a new and expanded peer to peer knowledge transfer initiative based on the success of our Young Climate Change Champions work.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The Agriculture, Biodiversity and Climate Change Network was announced in December 2021. It aims to inspire farmers and crofters to take greater action by highlighting their peers’ activities in one location online. Farmers will be able to share a wide range of information, including videos and photos, to detail the measures they have undertaken and the results. It will be a joint government and industry initiative made up of partner organisations who will offer their expertise on agriculture, climate and the wider environment.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The Agriculture, Biodiversity and Climate Change Network will launch in 2022.

Policy

Realign and enhance our established programmes and initiatives such as the Farm Advisory Service, the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund and Monitor Farm Programme to create a more cohesive approach to ensure advice and support is focussed on helping industry to professionalise to support sustainable farming.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) continued to deliver skills development and knowledge transfer in the primary agricultural sector. This was achieved through a range of different projects all of which have final report available to view on the FAS website. The most recent round of KTIF funding was for projects which focus on promoting resource efficiency and support the shift toward a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture sector and/or aim to restore, preserve and enhance ecosystems in the sector.

FAS, along with both KTIF and Monitor Farms continue to engage with industry stakeholders to ensure that the advice and support being given is more cohesive.

Five years of additional funding for the Monitor Farm Programme was announced in February 2022 and the programme is in development the programme is set to start-up again soon (to a sum of £1.78m over a 5 year period). Officials are currently considering a business case for a new Monitor Farm Programme where there will be an element of Continuous Professional Development and qualifications for each participating farm. One of which includes the development of a ‘marketing plan’ for each monitor farm which will guide ambition and business decisions over the lifespan of the business. This was a key recommendation of the Suckler Beef Climate Group. In light of the Climate Change emergency and Biodiversity crisis, officials and QMS have been working together to ensure the programme delivers outcomes aligned to priorities. This will involve detailed data collection, and enhancing the knowledge, skills, and competence of the industry through collaborative industry buy-in. In particular the programme is expected to provide the information that is essential for driving Scotland’s food and drink sector forward, through strengthening rural economies and meeting Scotland’s climate change targets.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

A further application window for KTIF opened in March 2022, it will accept project application up to a value of £150k for both innovation and knowledge transfer based projects ending in March 2023. The funding window will accept applications focusing on any of the rural priorities under KTIF including: fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas;

enhancing the viability and competitiveness of all types of agriculture, and promoting innovative farm technologies and sustainable forest management;
promoting food chain organisation, animal welfare and risk management in agriculture;
promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift toward a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors; and
restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry.

Scottish Government have procured another year of the Farm Advisory Service to run April 2022 to March 2023 and will be reframe to focus further on climate change and support farmers to contribute further to both mitigation and adaptation. Once the Implementation Board (ARIOB) has reported its advice/findings, officials will start work on procuring multi-year FAS contracts aligned to the Board’s priorities for March 2023/24 onwards.

Policy

Carbon Audits: in 2018, we will consult on how best to ensure maximum take up of carbon audits and how to enable tenant farmers and crofters in particular to benefit.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Carbon Audits were broadly consulted upon in the Stability and Simplicity consultation Stability, certainty and simplicity in rural support - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Track 1 of the National test Programme will be open to all with support provided to every farmer and crofter to undertake a Carbon Audit to support them in understanding their farms performance

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

Policy

We will explore with stakeholders, including the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association and the Tenant Farming Commissioner, how best to engage tenant farmers to increase understanding of the environmental and economic benefits of low carbon farming.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

A working group on “Trees in Tenancies” have produced a woodland creation financial analysis, including the woodland carbon code, based on full rotations of different forestry types. The Scottish Land Commission are taking on the work of the Tenants and Trees group from Crown Estate Scotland and will lead further co-ordination/ discussions involving stakeholders on this topic via the Tenant Farming Advisory Forum (TFAF).

We are also updating the Small Farm Grant Scheme to provide more options for woodlands and tree management within this scheme.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

Will continue development throughout 2022.

Policy

Marketing scheme: Determine the feasibility of a Low Carbon Farming marketing scheme.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

We are undertaking scoping work to develop a single marketing brand for all Scottish produce – Sustainably Scottish – available to all Scottish based producers, manufacturers and suppliers, big or small, that can satisfy stringent criteria on provenance and low carbon operations. SAOS (Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society) have been engaged to carry out phase one research, exploring existing schemes both on a Scottish and international perspective to inform scheme design. This research commenced January 2022 and is anticipated to complete in June 2022.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

June 2022 – initial research complete.

Phase Two (July-December 2022) - Phase One research will be used to design scheme options to be tested with Scottish food and drink business to allow inform next steps.

Outcome 3: Nitrogen emissions, including from nitrogen fertiliser, will have fallen through a combination of improved understanding, efficiencies and improved soil condition

Policy

Communicate and demonstrate the benefits of precision farming and nitrogen use efficiency in order to achieve a reduction in GHG emissions.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Since 2016, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) have delivered Carbon Audits to over 1,466 individual businesses and another 343 in the pipeline. Carbon audits offer information to farmers about the quantity and source of GHG emissions, including those relating to nitrogen use. A number of specialist advice outputs covering precision farming and nitrogen use have been undertaken under this FAS programme including 293 on improved farm efficiency, 51 on climate change adaptation and mitigation, 28 on organics and 206 on soil and nutrient management.

Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC), a Scottish Government funded initiative, run by SAC Consulting. Since 2010, FFBC has provided a key source of information and support for Scottish farmers to encourage the uptake of climate mitigation and adaptation measured. The Farming for a Better Climate Soil Regenerative Agriculture Group continue to work together to establish how best to support, enhance and protect their farm soils. Their actions cover a number of measures which support nitrogen use efficiency for example, use grass leys, cover crops and reduced tillage or no tillage to reduce loss of soil organic matter, and improving soil structure which reduces run off and loss of nitrogen. The FFBC website includes a range of additional materials that support farmers to take action in this area including a page on Soils, Fertilisers And Manures and a podcast episode on ‘The benefits of reduced tillage’. Regulations came into force from 1 January 2022 to consolidate the Silage Surry and Agricultural Fuel Oil(Scotland) Regulations 2003 into The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. These included improved controls on the storage of slurry and digestate to reduce leakage, and a move to precision spreading methods to maximise the nutrient benefit and reduce emissions. This will provide benefits to water quality, air quality, and climate change mitigation. Guidance and advice is provided to farmers to support their actions in this area through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Farming and Water Scotland, an initiative funded by Scottish Government.

On 15 December 2021, the Scottish Government published the first economy and environment wide Scottish Nitrogen Balance Sheet (SNBS) dataset and an accompanying report. This establishes a baseline for nitrogen efficiency economy wide as well as setting out nitrogen efficiencies for agriculture.

The Climate Change (Nitrogen Balance Sheet) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 came into force on 11 March 2022. They set out the requirement for the Scottish Government to review and update the nitrogen balance sheet annually from 2023 which include nitrogen flows for agriculture. Track 1 of the National Test Programme will support farmers and crofters to complete carbon audits and soil testing to inform nutrient management planning.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

A new indicator, on Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for crop production has been included for agriculture in this monitoring report. This indicator comes from the SNBS and will be updated annually from 2023. The baseline (c. 2019) NUE value for Scottish crop production is 65%

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

The SNBS will now be reviewed and updated on an annual basis from 2023 onwards. After each such round of review, an updated version of the Balance Sheet dataset will be published, with an accompanying report setting out assessments of progress towards relevant on-the-ground actions to improve the use of nitrogen and identification of opportunities for further improvements in future.

Policy

Work with the agriculture and science sectors regarding the feasibility and development of a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound) target for reducing Scotland’s emissions from nitrogen fertiliser.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Track 1 of the National Test Programme will support farmers and crofters to complete carbon audits and soil testing to inform nutrient management planning.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

Timeframe and expected next steps

Policy

From 2018 we expect farmers to test the soil on all improved land every five or six years, and we will work with them to establish how best to achieve this.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Track 1 of the National Test Programme will offer support to all farmers and crofters to undertake soil testing to inform nutrient management planning.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

Policy

Investigate the benefits and barriers of leguminous crops in rotation.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Research on the potential for leguminous crops in Scotland was published in January 2021 - The potential for leguminous crops in Scotland (https://www.climatexchange.org.uk/research/projects/the-potential-for-leguminouscrops-in-scotland) The environment, food and rural affairs Strategic Research Programme 2022-2027 has two projects which will consider legumes:

The Impact of Novel Crops and Farming Technologies on the Scottish Agricultural Landscape
Crop Improvement for Sustainable production in a Changing Environment

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The projects will run until March 2027.

Policy

Crop varieties with improved nitrogen-use efficiency.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The environment, food and rural affairs Strategic Research Programme 2022-2027 has two projects which will consider nitrogen:

Exploring Barley Diversity for resilience and sustainability
The Impact of Novel Crops and Farming Technologies on the Scottish Agricultural Landscape

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The projects will run until March 2027.

Outcome 4: Reduced emissions from red meat and dairy through improved emissions intensity

Policy

Commission and publish a report into the establishment of emissions intensity figures for beef, lamb and milk.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Completed - ClimateXChange published Emission intensity of Scottish agricultural commodities in August 2018 (https://www.climatexchang No new indicators N/A 196 e.org.uk/research/projects/e mission-intensity-of-scottishagricultural-commodities/ )

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

N/A

Policy - Date announced

Work with Quality Meat Scotland, ScotEID and livestock producers to encourage improved emissions intensity through genotyping, improving fertility, reducing animal mortality and improving on farm management practices. - CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

As part of track one of the National Test Programme (announced October 2021 - https://www.gov.scot/publications/nfus-autumn-conference-2021-cabinet-secretary-speech/) we put in place livestock data and performance systems to support collation of data and performance information for every cattle farmer. This will provide farmers and crofters with information to inform decision-making around improving fertility and farm management practices.

The Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) was a five-year scheme to contribute to a range of improvements focusing on cattle genetics and management practice on-farm. The scheme has now concluded with a total of approximately 200,000 genotypes uploaded and processed from BES animals (calves and sires) through the mandatory genotyping in the scheme. Farmers involved in BES were required to complete carbon audits in three of the five years of the scheme.

The Animal Health and Welfare Livestock Strategy is under review and the report is expected to be published in April.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

A revised Animal Health and Welfare Livestock Strategy is to be published in 2022.

Policy

Determine the practicality of establishing a SMART target for reduction in the intensity of emissions for beef, sheep and dairy sectors.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Within track two of our National Test Programme we will work with a cohort of beef farms to understand the impact on productivity of improved data capture technology combined with specialist advice.

This will be complimented with activity in track two to work with farmers in all sectors to test how farmers will respond to actions aimed at delivering positive outcomes with regard to emissions reduction.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The National Test Programme was launched in Spring 2022.

Policy

Consult in 2018 to determine the nature of livestock health measures that the sector will adopt from 2019.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The Animal Health and Welfare Livestock Strategy is under review and the report is expected to be published in April 2022.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

A revised Animal Health and Welfare Livestock Strategy is to be published in 2022.

Policy

Determine the practicalities and feasibility of using livestock feed additives as a means of reducing emissions.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

A report on livestock feed additives was produced through the ClimateXChange and a summary is available at:

https://www.climatexchange.org.uk/research/projects/methane-reducing-feed-additives/

There are no methane reducing feed additives approved for use.

The regulatory process in for approving methane inhibitors is operated by Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency. They have received one application for a methane inhibitor product (in April 2021), and have indicated an 18-24 month approval time for their authorisation process.

Options to encourage uptake, once authorisation is granted, are being considered.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

Awaiting approval for use

Outcome 5: Reduced emissions from the use and storage of manure and slurry

Policy

Engaging with farmers to explore their support requirements, establish how they can improve the use and storage of manure and slurry, including the potential for cooperatively owned and managed anaerobic digesters.

Date announced

Dec 2020, before CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Regulations came into force from 1 January 2022 to consolidate the Silage Surry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (Scotland) Regulations 2003 into The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. These included improved controls on the storage of slurry and digestate to reduce leakage, and a move to precision spreading methods to maximise the nutrient benefit and reduce emissions. This will provide benefits to water quality, air quality, and climate change mitigation. Guidance and advice is provided to farmers to support their actions in this area through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Farming and Water Scotland, an initiative funded by Scottish Government.

Funding available through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme in 2022 will provide continued support to improve water quality and help mitigate climate change by ensuring sufficient slurry storage capacity is available on a farm for the equivalent livestock units.

New or enlarged slurry storage facilities must meet the building design requirements of Schedule 2 of The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021.

Farmers can access advice on improving the use and storage of slurry and silage through FAS and FFBC.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

Under the new regulations:

From 1 January 2022: SEPA must be notified before construction of any new, reconstructed, or substantially enlarged silo and newly constructed slurry stores must have capacity to store the total slurry likely to be produced in 26 weeks by housed pigs or 22 weeks by housed cattle
From 1 January 2023: Liquid digestate must be applied using precision equipment; slurry must not be applied using a raised splash plate or rain gun; slurry must be applied using precision equipment if applied by a contractor and/or on farms with more than 100 milking cows, 200 beef or more that 800 fattening pigs or sows.
From 1 January 2024: Silage and slurry stores built after 1991 (or that were substantially reconstructed or enlarged on or after 1st Sept 1991) and those with planning permission but not yet constructed must be structurally compliant and all liquid digestate stores constructed before 1st January, or where planning permission was granted prior to 1st Jan 2022, must meet requirements within the regulations
From 1 January 2026: Silage and slurry stores built before 1991 (and not substantially enlarged or reconstructed since 1991) must be fully compliant and slurry stores located outside an NVZ must have capacity to store the total slurry likely to be produced in 26 weeks by housed pigs or 22 weeks by housed cattle by 2026
From 1 January 2027: all slurry application must be applied using precision equipment.

Scottish ministers have committed to extending AECS up to 2024 with new rounds opening each calendar year. An initial survey of successful SACGS applicants from the pilot project is intended to be undertaken in 2022.

Policy

Investigate the practicalities of livestock grazing in rotation on current arable land.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Completed

The East/West Beed Grazing Collaboration Pilot run by SAOS was supported under the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund to work toward establishing evidence on the financial and environmental value of moving cattle to lower cost natural resources. The operational group produced case studies showing there are environmental and carbon sequestration benefits, especially where fodder crops are grown and grazed gradually over the winter period. The findings included significant potential fuel savings, that adopting rotational grazing negates the necessity for artificial fertilisers and intensely farming the fields and that it was on the whole a low cost, low carbon system with less reliance on cereals-based diets and greater utilisation of grazing ground both in the summer and winter.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

N/A

Policy

Conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of manure/ slurry exchange.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

N/A – no updates since last monitoring report

Completed – a feasibility study was published in June 2020, through the ClimateXChange Establishing a manure/slurry exchange in Scotland (https://www.climatexchange.org.uk/research/projects/establishing-a-manureslurryexchange-in-scotland/)

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

N/A

Policy

Determine how to consistently minimise emissions from slurry storage.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Research includes Slurry Storage on Scottish Farms – A Feasibility Study (climatexchange.org.uk) and Microsoft Word - IQ26-2019 - establishing a manure-slurry exchange in Scotland-a feasibility study - FINAL - 8 June 2020.docx (climatexchange.org.uk) Support for slurry storage is available for farmers through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme and was part of the pilot Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme. Since 2015, 162 contracts at a cost of £6.26 million were approved for slurry storage through AECS.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

N/A

Policy

Review management of storage and application of organic materials such as silage, slurry and liquid digestate, including what support may be required to ensure best practice.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Completed. Regulations came into force from 1 January 2022 to consolidate the Silage Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (Scotland) Regulations 2003 into The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. These included improved controls on the storage of slurry and digestate to reduce leakage, and a move to precision spreading methods to maximise the nutrient benefit and reduce emissions. This will provide benefits to water quality, air quality, and climate change mitigation. Guidance and advice is provided to farmers to support their actions in this area through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Farming and Water Scotland, an initiative funded by Scottish Government.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

N/A

Outcome 6: Carbon sequestration and existing carbon stores on agricultural land have helped to increase and maintain our carbon sink

Policy

Explore with the farming and forestry sectors how best to increase planting of trees and hedgerows which optimise carbon sequestration, including the role of agroforestry.

Date announced

2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

This is ongoing.

The Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry launched the Integrating Trees Network in 2021. This demonstrator network of farms, crofts and estates across Scotland raises awareness of the multiple benefits that planting trees can bring to agricultural businesses. The aim of the network is to encourage more trees to be planted on Scottish land, in the right place, for the right reason and to give guidance on how this can be practically achieved. The network has hosted twelve online events since March 2021. A total of 1062 people signed up to those events.

We are now looking at options to build on the success of the Integrating Trees network to reduce barriers and stimulate more farmers to plant trees and consider how CAP replacement could support woodland creation. Scottish Forestry has established a sub-group of its Customer Representative’s Group which will assist the development of both these approaches by advising on ways of encouraging more farm businesses to plant trees through facilitating cross-sectoral working and engagement with practitioners.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The Integrating Trees Network will continue to host events for farmers and crofters throughout 2022.

Sub-group of Scottish Forestry’s Customer Representative’s Group to meet quarterly. A new Scottish Agriculture Bill will be brought forward in 2023 to provide a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Policy - Date announced

Investigate the feasibility of payment for carbon sequestration taking into account any existing schemes such as the woodland carbon code as a means of encouraging the uptake of carbon sequestration on farms. - CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

We know that both public and responsible private investment in Scotland’s natural capital will be essential to meet the pace and scale of the challenge of delivering on our climate change targets and wider land use and environmental objectives. At COP26, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy committed to developing a values-led, high-integrity market for natural capital in Scotland.

Across the UK, around half of the current projects registered to the Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) are located in Scotland. Scottish projects make up the significant majority (around 82%) of the total area of projects. A large majority of registrations under the WCC are from farmers or intermediaries where farmers are doing the planting.

We are funding research through the ClimateXChange to consider the potential for agroforestry to reduce net GHG emissions in Scotland through the Woodland Carbon Code.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

A UK Farm and Soil Carbon Code is being developed and piloted with funding support provided by DEFRA’s Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF). The project aims to propose the Code in 2022, providing a quality assured standard for monetising farm carbon, particularly through regenerative agricultural practices that enhance carbon sequestration in soils. Scottish Government will review the voluntary code once it is published and decide whether to support its application in Scotland.

The ClimateXChange Agroforestry research will continue until summer 2022.

Policy

Increase woodland cover on suitable agricultural land.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Some farmers are already integrating woodland creation into their agricultural business model, some 60% of applications to the Forestry Grant scheme (FGS) are for schemes of less than 20Ha. We are looking at options to build on the success of the Integrating Trees network to reduce barriers and stimulate more farmers to plant trees and consider how CAP replacement could support woodland creation. Scottish Forestry has established a sub-group of its Customer Representative’s Group which will assist the development of both these approaches by advising on ways of encouraging more farm businesses to plant trees through facilitating cross-sectoral working and engagement with practitioners.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

Sub-group of Scottish Forestry’s Customer Representative’s Group to meet quarterly.

A new Scottish Agriculture Bill will be brought forward in 2023 to provide a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy.

Policy

Building on the successful work integrating woodland with farming businesses, help remove barriers for those on agriculture holdings, particularly in the tenanted sector who want to engage in woodland creation, including exploring the potential to reform legislation where appropriate.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Scottish Forestry, in partnership with the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) and a Crown Estate Scotland tenant, has produced a woodland creation financial analysis, including the woodland carbon code, based on full rotations of different forestry types. The models contained within this document are fully worked examples based on a real tenanted farm, prepared as if they had gone through the normal process and through the lifetime of the woodland. Scottish Forestry - Helping tenant farmers grow trees for their business This output was part of the Tenant and Trees group. Case study to be highlighted in next edition of STFA magazine

Scottish Land Commission are taking on the work of the Tenants and Trees group from Crown Estate Scotland and will lead further co-ordination/discussions involving stakeholders in this topic via the Tenant Farming Advisory Forum (TFAF).

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

Will continue development throughout 2022

Policy

Work with stakeholders on options to increase peatland restoration on suitable agricultural and crofting land, to support delivery of policies in the LULUCF chapter. We will map peatland against this land which will allow modelling options for land-use change and inform opportunities for targeted support of peatland restoration and management.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Currently assessing levels of peatland and peatland degradation on common grazings on Scottish Government Crofting Estates.

On completion of desk-based assessments pilot studies will be chosen from high-risk cases and dialogue initiated with graziers and grazing committees.

This work is ongoing including on analysis to support decision making and engagement, and a survey with the crofting community concerning peatland restoration. Work is underway to establish a pilot for peatland restoration on crofting land.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

Will continue development throughout 2022, linking to development of policies in the LULUCF chapter.

Policy

Explore options for land-use change to optimise uses beyond traditional farming and food production to multi-faceted land use including forestry, peatland restoration and management and biomass production.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

We have continued with the development of our five Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP) pilots. Scotland’s third Land Use Strategy was published in March 2021. For the first time the strategy deploys a landscape approach to looking at issues of land-use, presenting a more holistic understanding of our land in Scotland. By showcasing the range of demands and benefits we get from our land the intention is to reset our focus on to the integrated nature of land use. It is only though understanding these multiple and sometimes conflicting relationships we can look to secure the fine balance that will be needed to allow our land to contribute sustainably to our multiple long term national priorities.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No new indicators

Timeframe and expected next steps

The five pilot RLUPs have each been tasked developing a regional land use framework by the end of 2023 - aimed at understanding how to optimise the role our land plays at a regional level in addressing the national priorities relating to climate and the environment.

Contact

Email: climate.change@gov.scot

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