Scottish Farmers in the Fight Against Climate Change

Scotland, June 14, 2024 – Scottish farmers are emerging as key players in combating climate change by altering their land management practices. Over the last 30 years, nearly 25% of the nation’s wildlife has been lost, impacting habitats and agriculture. In response, many farmers and crofters are adopting nature restoration and biodiversity-enhancing measures to improve both climate resilience and business profitability.

The Scottish Government has assigned NatureScot the task of creating a tool to enhance farmers’ environmental knowledge. This tool, a biodiversity audit available as both an app and an online platform, will be widely accessible by 2025. Claudia Rowse, Deputy Director of Green Economy at NatureScot, noted that about 30% of Scottish farmers already engage in practices that boost biodiversity, indicating that mainstream adoption is achievable.

The tool will be featured at the Royal Highland Show this month, allowing farmers to map and measure biodiversity on their land through the Farm Biodiversity Scotland app. The tool aims to simplify processes that previously required ecological experts, enabling farmers to manage and monitor habitat quality independently.

Transitioning to sustainable farming practices can offer economic benefits as well. Improved soil health and reduced input costs can enhance farm profitability. For example, Mossgiel Farm in Ayrshire became financially viable again after switching to sustainable methods.

From next year, preparing a Whole Farm Plan, which includes a carbon audit, soil analysis, and biodiversity audit, will be mandatory for accessing future funding. This initiative underscores the potential for farming to promote both environmental health and agricultural productivity in Scotland.