There are already many measures driving environmental standards in Scottish agriculture, including cross compliance and best practice codes and guidelines, with more recommendations likely following the completion of the consultation on diffuse pollution. In this section, Table 6.1 considers the impact of the Next Steps Strategy guiding principles upon each of the SEA topics, combined with a summary analysis of the impacts of each of the 22 Strategy actions upon the SEA topics. A simple matrix format is used demonstrating the anticipated effect, whether positive, negative, mixed or unknown, on the topic, with the final column outlining comments on temporal effects (short/ medium/ long term) and the potential for associated synergistic, cumulative and indirect effects. Table 6.2 provides a summary analysis of the participatory workshop sessions that considered the environmental implications and mitigation or enhancement methods for eleven of the original 22 actions. The full analysis of the environmental implications of all 22 actions is supplied in Appendix E, with the complete analyses from the workshop sessions provided in Appendices F and G. The analyses identified various potential environmental impacts and associated recommendations for mitigation.
1. Cross-compliance requirements could be strengthened. In this way, the onus could be put on all farmers to achieve a minimum level of appropriate habitat diversity and diffuse pollution control at the farm scale in order to qualify for the Single Farm Payment and become eligible for extra LMC funding for additional specific actions. Such an approach could increase (at little or no extra public cost) the general biodiversity value of the more intensified farmland, while freeing-up the funding available for LMC measures and therefore increasing the probability of the more targeted agri-environment actions achieving their goals.
2. A holistic and integrated approach to farm business and environmental advice is developed. Effective training of business advisers, as well as Monitor Farm and Young Farmers Group facilitators, could drive the required co-ordination between farmers for the uptake of Land Management Contracts with joint applications and implementation of actions across farm boundaries. This would result in efforts to improve biodiversity (and related actions on habitats, water, soil, pollution and the historic environment) at scales greater than the farm unit, eventually resulting in improvement at the landscape or catchment scales. This must be a requirement for the long-term success and viability of the industry in conjunction with environmental enhancement over stewardship.
The development of a landscape-scale approach, as outlined in the Next Steps Strategy goal (#2) and action (#15), needs effective, practical advice for application. SEPA and SNH produced a briefing paper for SEERAD, and the Agriculture Strategy Implementation Group, on the benefits and possible mechanisms that could be employed to develop and encourage such an approach across Scotland. The key comments and recommendations identified included:
3. Most meaningful landscape units are managed by several managers. While individual applications can improve the appearance or condition of individual features, landscape quality is most likely to benefit from action at an appropriate scale, usually larger than an individual holding. The landscape-scale approach would be of particular value in relation to the following:
4. Wildlife habitats, watersheds, landscapes and many other natural features rarely coincide with land ownership boundaries, therefore collaborative action by land managers could be the key to securing benefits and enhancement across wider areas of the countryside, especially in relation to:
5. The added value of a landscape approach is likely to include integrated catchment management; helping to achieve favourable condition on designated and historic sites; improving the connections between habitats; contributing more effectively to flood control; maintaining valued landscapes and enhancing scarred or unattractive ones and better integration between farming and forestry.
6. Economic benefits to land managers of working on a larger scale, sharing costs and risks, encouraging the habit of cooperation, which is likely to be commercially beneficial in the more market-oriented world facing agriculture in the future. Monitor Farms, Planning to Succeed, Whole Farm Reviews and similar initiatives should all incorporate advice on the benefits of adopting landscape-scale and collaborative approaches.
7. There are opportunities for projects to deliver multiple benefits, by combining landscape, biodiversity, flood control and water quality outcomes; new opportunities to develop and share best practice and opportunities for involving local communities will deliver better value for (public) money by reducing the possibility of conflicting purposes in individual applications. This would also provide more certainty in achieving outcomes and a means of addressing the potentially negative cumulative effects of multiple smaller-scale actions.
Individual land managers and farmers are much less likely to identify environmental benefits at a landscape scale, whether for biodiversity, the landscape or catchment management. Engaging land managers and farmers in developing regional programmes and priorities will help increase understanding of issues involved in landscape-scale approaches. To this end, the proposed regional rural development forums, as well as collective farming initiatives including Monitor Farms, Young Farmers Groups and already established co-ops, could be given a role in identifying when landscape-scale approaches would be beneficial.
SEA Topic Strategy Goal/ Action | Biodiversity' Flora & Fauna | Population | Human health | Soil | Water | Air | Climatic factors | Material assets | Cultural heritage | Landscape | Interrelationships | Comments on environmental sustainability implications of the Next Steps Strategy Actions
(including temporal, secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects - see Appendices C,D,E for more detailed appraisals) |
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Vision/ Overarching Objectives | High level assessment only |
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Focused on producing food and other products for the market | - - | + | ++ | - - | - - | - | - | + | + | +/- | +/- | Intensive production has significant adverse effects on biodiversity, soil, water and air quality through habitat removal, nutrient depletion, diffuse pollution and GHG emissions. Need to rationalise sustainable production with environmental stewardship and enhancement. |
A major driver in sustaining rural development, helping rural communities prosper | - | ++ | + | - | - | ? | - | ++ | + | +/- | +/- | Agriculture and diversification can work to sustain rural economies by maintaining jobs in rural areas and attracting visitors and investment. Need to manage development that prioritises brownfield and appropriate reuse rather than increased land take and soil sealing by new development. |
A leading player in the protection and enhancement of the environment | ++ | - | + | + | ++ | + | ++ | ? | ? | ++ | + | Environmentally sensitive agricultural practice is being encouraged through support for organic conversion and reviewed mechanisms encourage the uptake of Land Management Contracts. Environmental conditions set through Cross Compliance and the decoupling of production from subsidy through CAP reform need effective monitoring systems. |
A major contributor to key objectives on animal health and welfare and human health and well-being | + | + | ++ | ? | - | - | - - | + | ? | + | + | Scottish farming is recognised for high standards of animal health and welfare. The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy is designed to maintain and improve standards. Decoupling subsidy from production may lead to decreasing livestock numbers benefiting water, soil, air quality and climate through reduced emissions, wastes and grazing pressure. Variation in breeds kept can increase genetic diversity/ resilience of livestock. |
Keen to embrace change and market opportunities | - | + | + | ? | ? | ? | ? | + | ? | +/- | ? | Decoupling subsidy from production levels and reductions to EU subsidy means Scottish farmers need to identify alternative income streams, such as energy crops and business diversification, and to maximise returns for quality products. Requires development of collaborative supply chains working together to ensure long-term sustainability for the industry over short term profitable gain. Change entails adaptation to both market conditions and long-term climate change that may inhibit the production of some crops but introduce opportunities for others. Need to effectively manage change in a sustainable manner that avoids replicating past mistakes with respect to wholesale conversion to energy crops leading to similarly intensive production processes with similar environmental problems. |
Strategy Goals & Actions | Strategy Actions are further assessed in Appendices C, D and E - Preliminary Assessments and Workshop Reviews |
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Goal 1
Scottish food producers, food processors, retailers and the food service sector should work together to identify, inform and meet market demand, drawing on business advice and sharing resources and experience to control costs and increase incomes |
Action 1
Improve the availability and use of market information by farm businesses to help identify market opportunities, target the most profitable areas, encourage innovation and new product development, and promote local processing and marketing in line with the Scottish Food and Drink Strategy. | +/- | ++ | + | - | - | - | +/- | + | ? | +/- | ? | Targeting most profitable areas could lead to renewed intensive production systems, ultimately saturating the market and depressing prices - requires ongoing identification of market trends and sustainable production to maintain profitability. New product development can have positive or negative environmental implications associated with less intensive production or more processing. Market opportunities associated with sustainable farming, local food systems and organic options will all have beneficial effects for the environment. |
Action 2
Strengthen the links between primary producers and other food industry sectors, including processors, retailers and the food service sector (including those responsible for public procurement). | + | + | ++ | - | - | - | + | + | ? | +/- | + | CSR opportunities for retailers and processors. Local purchasing frameworks/ systems and reductions in transportation will reduce food miles, emissions and improve human health benefits. Local systems will maintain jobs in rural areas and improved business links could reduce wastage. |
Action 3
Promote wider use of the principles of collaborative supply chains, with producers, processors and retailers working together to develop markets, share information and achieve sustainable contracts. | + | ++ | ++ | - | - | - | + | ++ | + | + | + | Shorter food supply networks will have beneficial effects on human health and food security, food miles, wastage and more equitable distribution of revenue will lead to greater sustainability. Collaborative chains and effective partnerships meeting quality and environmental standards will result in less price sensitivity for producers and increased consumer support. Reluctance to share market information or lose market advantage could present barriers to progress - requires development of a long-term sustainability approach. |
Action 4
Consult key stakeholders on priorities for future food processing and marketing grant schemes. | +/- | + | + | - | - | - | +/- | ++ | + | ? | +/- | Risk of environmental damage by developing new infrastructure or building new facilities although benefits available through shortening supply chains between production, processing and retail. Priorities should be developed in conjunction with Scottish Rural Development Programme ( SRDP) to sustain rural communities and opportunity. Potential to introduce strategic 'check' points on environmental measures for assessing applications. |
Action 5
Work with the wider food and drink industry to develop messages for consumers about the benefits of buying Scottish produce. | + | + | ++ | - | - | - | ++ | + | + | ++ | + | Increasing consumption of domestic produce supports high environmental and animal welfare standards of Scottish agriculture in the projected reduction/ absence of subsidies, and may lead to reduced consumption of imports with associated environmental/ climate benefits. Develops understanding of farmers' role in environmental stewardship and landscape management. |
Action 6
Examine consumer preferences in terms of clarity of labelling to identify scope for further improvement. | + | ? | ++ | ? | ? | ? | ? | + | + | ? | ? | Synergies with Scottish Executive strategies on Food and Drink, Healthy Eating. Potential to assist concerned/ ethical/ health conscious consumers and promote positive images of Scottish quality products and cultural messages. Costs of labelling may increase but should be offset by informed choice and associated health benefits. |
Action 7
Further develop the Monitor Farms initiative to increase the number of farms across Scotland and widen the scope of their activity. | + | ++ | ++ | + | + | + | + | + | ? | ++ | ++ | Best practice approach to farming business management and problem solving should be widened to realise potential for associated best practice in environmental stewardship, Land Management Contract joint applications, landscape enhancement, adapting to climate change and reduced subsidy regimes. Key action that could produce effective collaboration between farmers, improving long-term sustainability, profitability and environmental improvement benefiting the wider population. Key opportunity for education through interaction with SEPA, SNH and Historic Scotland and for transferring experience to the wider community. |
Goal 2
Scottish agriculture should contribute fully towards vibrant rural communities and stronger rural economies through sustainable diversification and continued engagement with the broad spectrum of local communities. |
Action 8
Commission case studies of diversification projects to identify critical success factors; publicise success stories; highlight available funding sources and promote the benefits of co-operation in diversification. | +/- | ++ | + | +/- | +/- | ? | +/- | ++ | +/- | ? | ? | Some diversification options will have environmental impacts including land take, soil sealing, land use change and potentially associated impacts on the historic environment. Case studies should assess all aspects. Cooperative activities and assessment of diversification options at wider catchment or landscape scales will allow planning for mitigation of any negative effects. |
Action 9
Promote research into the commercial viability of alternative crops and biomass. | +/- | + | +/- | +/- | - | +/- | ++ | ? | ? | +/- | +/- | Generally positive action which could help realign agriculture sector with energy sector, promote sustainability and adaptation to climate change, and aid effort in meeting various strategy targets on biodiversity, soil and water. Concern over the potential to develop intensive production methods, wholesale monocultures with harvesting and transportation impacts could all exacerbate existing environmental problems. Research should look to identify the Best for Environment Option rather than simply commercial viability. |
Action 10
Make business information on emerging and other opportunities (including energy crops/biomass, tourism, commercial recreation and forestry - at local, regional and national level) widely available to farm businesses. | ? | ++ | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | + | +/- | ? | ? | Synergies with Executive strategies on energy, climate change, tourism, forestry and health. Focus on business information could skew considerations towards maximising incomes at the expense of environmental stewardship - guidance information should be evidence based. Action could be improved by ensuring business information includes effective advice on assessing environmental impacts of choices to create conditions that work to ease the impact of subsidy reduction and develop sustainable solutions. |
Action 11
Use the Business Advice/Whole Farm Review package to identify and develop diversification opportunities (ensuring advisers have access to information on the full range of opportunities) and to identify related training needs. | + | ++ | + | ? | ? | ? | ? | ++ | + | ++ | + | Helps identify opportunities, constraints and management programmes; however there is a need to ensure advisers are aware of environmental impacts of business actions to develop a modern, sustainable business approach. Could be developed to identify farm scale issues that inform community or regional level action to realise greater environmental benefit. |
Action 12
Expand the geographical spread of the Scottish Enterprise Planning to Succeed programme to deliver business skills training for young farmers' groups across Scotland, and exploit other opportunities to ensure support for new entrants. | +/- | ++ | ++ | +/- | +/- | +/- | +/- | ++ | + | +/- | +/- | Business skills are a key factor in ensuring the future viability of the industry as are developing awareness of funding streams, training and other resources available. To ensure continuity and coherence, there is a need to go beyond basic environmental training required for Agri-environment schemes to realise long-term organic understanding of cumulative effects and the benefits of landscape scale approaches and collaboration. Key opportunity to engage next generation in understanding and action on wider impacts of farming for the historic environment, biodiversity, water and climate. |
Action 13
Develop and publish guidance on farm succession planning, focusing on the need to address legal, financial, management and training issues. | ? | ++ | + | ? | ? | ? | ? | ++ | ? | ? | ? | Failure to address succession planning could result in major impacts to both farming families and the farm environment, should conditions change rapidly and unexpectedly. Maintaining environmental benefits of management decisions in this specific context needs promoting. Publishing guidance without introducing training and accessible advice could lead to minimal uptake and current problems will persist, potential to incorporate into Whole Farm Reviews, Business Advice, Monitor Farms. |
Goal 3
Scottish agriculture should continue to be a leading player in the protection and enhancement of our environment, with increased emphasis on climate change and the promotion of a landscape-scale approach. |
Action 14
Establish a stakeholder group to evaluate and monitor agriculture's response to climate change, through mitigation and adaptation (including the potential for related business opportunities). | + | + | ++ | + | + | + | ++ | + | ? | +/- | + | Clear action required to move the Next Steps strategy forward in conjunction with the Climate Change strategy. Synergies exist in adapting to climate change with action to protect soil, water and air quality, as well as positive measures to increase biodiversity levels. Action could be improved by indicating that the stakeholder group would drive action rather than simply evaluating and monitoring. Opportunity to identify and roll out practical actions supported through SFP, LMC, SRDP and energy or climate change funding. |
Action 15
Promote an integrated, landscape-scale approach to environmental improvement with clearly established local and regional priorities to improve effectiveness of grant schemes, advisory services and related actions. | ++ | + | + | + | ++ | + | + | ? | ? | ++ | + | Farm activity has direct local effects and cumulative, indirect or secondary effects over much larger scales, the most obvious being soil, water, landscape, historic environment, climate and biodiversity effects. A landscape-scale approach across the industry will encourage cooperation to enhance environmental gains, redress the impacts of multiple negative effects and foster accountability and responsibility for practices with downstream negative impacts. Opportunity to promote the positive aspects of farming and land management/ stewardship - could be a means of maximising effort and returns in conjunction with avoiding missed opportunities for enhancement. |
Action 16
Review research that evaluates the non-market benefits of Scottish agriculture in order to provide an evidence-base for stakeholders and policy-makers and to help promote wider understanding of the environmental benefits provided by Scottish agriculture and Scottish food. | + | + | + | ? | ? | ? | ? | + | ++ | ++ | + | In light of reducing subsidies, identifying real costs of non-market benefits could lead to proper returns for farmers' efforts as environmental stewardship is more closely aligned with economic realities. A full evidence base should consider the cost of implementing more environmentally benign practices through subsidy against the costs of pollution clean-up and remediation, water treatment, climate effects, soil degradation, biodiversity/ habitat loss and landscape change. Could also bring in the economic benefit of managed/ enhanced/ historic landscapes with respect to stewardship effort and tourism revenues. |
Action 17
Implement action on diffuse water pollution based on sound science and the outcome of the current consultation exercise. | ++ | + | ++ | + | ++ | + | ++ | + | ? | ++ | ++ | Diffuse water pollution has been identified as the largest agricultural environmental impact which can be mediated through targeted action. Long-term sustained effort, training and monitoring will be required to realise significant reductions and maintain better standards. Synergies with action on water quality requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, the introduction of Controlled Activities Regulations, General Binding Rules and PEPFAA Code. |
Action 18
Continue action to implement the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. | ++ | + | ? | + | + | + | + | ? | + | + | + | Areas managed for High Nature Value, SSSI, Natura 2000 network or given over to nature for recolonisation, wetland creation and improving habitat connectivity all improve soil function, biodiversity (terrestrial and aquatic), water quality and have potential climate mitigation benefits. Appropriate assessment required for any development around Natura sites. |
Action 19
Examine ways to secure compliance with environmental legislation without imposing undue costs or constraints on farm businesses. | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ? | ? | + | + | Minimal compliance with environmental legislation benefits all aspects from soil and water to biodiversity, climate, landscapes and designated sites. Costs of compliance should be lower that the penalty costs of non-compliance and remediation. Land Management Contracts, Statutory Management Requirements, Good Farming Practice, Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions and General Binding Rules should all promote cost effective measures that encourage improved environmental performance to go beyond ensuring minimum compliance levels and developing best practice. Could combine advice with Whole Farm Reviews. |
Communications |
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Action 20
Develop a structured and targeted communications strategy. | ? | ++ | + | ? | ? | + | + | ++ | ? | ? | ? | Better communications provision can lead to reducing the need to travel and therefore associated benefits with reducing transportation emissions. |
Action 21
Encourage farmers to make greater use of electronic information sources and on-line facilities for communication with SEERAD. | ? | ++ | + | ? | ? | + | + | ++ | ? | ? | ? | Improved communication structures can also help minimise costs for farmers associated with reduced transport and fuel costs leading to greater profitability and long-term sustainability. |
Action 22
Improve knowledge transfer by developing a single information portal (an internet facility) that will provide links to authoritative information and advice in order to improve business performance. | ? | ++ | + | ? | ? | + | + | ++ | ? | ? | ? | As above. Action could be improved by including business and environmental performance, as well as links to SEPA, SNH, Historic Scotland and other relevant authorities. |
Environmental Implications | Mitigation/ Enhancement Options | Recommendations/ Comments |
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Action1:
Improve the availability and use of market information by farm businesses to help identify market opportunities, target the most profitable areas, encourage innovation and new product development, and promote local processing and marketing in line with the Scottish Food and Drink Strategy. |
Market opportunity associated with more sustainable farming and local food systems with environmental benefits e.g. less intensive production methods | Promote environmentally beneficial farming methods Promote products to ethical consumer markets - domestic fair trade, organic, rare breeds, biodiversity cropping, etc. LMC support available for cropping methods that aim to improve biodiversity levels | Some regions (Northwest, etc.) have fewer options & smaller local markets Relates to Actions 2 & 3 Need to develop collaborative/ integrated chains |
Local processing and marketing could reduce food miles, encourage less intensive production and maintain rural jobs | Promote direct benefit to producers (better margins) Promote associated community benefit of products grown, processed and sold locally Need clear definition of food miles and local processing, to drive sensitive siting and appropriate reuse of existing buildings | Should lead to employment opportunities and health benefits Local processing could give rise to real, local waste problems (See Action 4) |
Targeting most profitable areas could result in maximised production exacerbating existing problems associated with intensive production and no incentive for environmental stewardship | Action should be to identify most profitable areas and target sustainable methods to capitalise rather than simply target most profit Whole Farm Reviews should have a strong environmental dimension | Focusing on most profitable areas could lead to saturation of the market Biofuels may encourage move towards more monocultures Shorter rotations may lead to problems of disease control through greater use of pesticides & herbicides |
Innovation and new product development could have positive effects e.g. less intensive processes | Promote specialisation (premium products, organic) LMC support available for cropping methods that aim to improve biodiversity levels | Organic Aid Scheme available for conversion and support. Increased supply to meet demand will reduce costs. |
Innovation and new product development could have negative effects e.g. problems associated with greater processing, risk bringing to market, land use change for growing new products | Consideration of environmental impacts required for new processing facilities and growing new products Sensitive siting required, avoid new build development on productive land, redevelop brownfield, existing buildings | EIA and AA may be required in some cases Collaboration/ co-operation between farm business can reduce financial risk levels |
Increasing export volumes increases food miles | Need to identify food miles definition and measurement for export & domestic products | Could present quite onerous administrative burden Need to balance effort vs. benefit |
Reduced production of low margin products reduces genetic variability | UK group on animal genetics - rare plants & animals at risk (exploring genetic opportunities) | May be opportunities for premium products from rare breeds and environmental benefits |
Action 4:
Consult key stakeholders on priorities for future food processing and marketing grant schemes. |
Encouraging smaller scale plants could have environmental benefits e.g. local processing and marketing | Collaboration may reduce wastage and achieve better matching of supply and demand | Implementation will be highly dependent on the collaboration/ agreement of other stakeholders, particularly institutions Need to encourage/ drive/ influence institutions to take on wider environmental concerns in their decision making |
Encouraging smaller scale plants could have environmental impacts e.g. smaller plants may be less energy efficient | Build environmental issues into the criteria for assessing PMG applications Build energy efficiency into grant criteria | Interrelated to climate change, landscape action Opportunity to incorporate assessment checklists on environmental measures for applications |
Encouraging smaller scale plants could have environmental impacts e.g. greater risk of distributed point source pollution, produce more localised waste | Build environmental issues into the criteria for assessing PMG applications General Binding Rules & Polluter Pays Principle should be considered when assessing applications | Real problem - small scale operations may present difficulties coping with waste Opportunity to incorporate assessment checklists on environmental measures for applications |
Environmental benefits in reducing transportation distances between production, processing and retail (reducing food miles) | Mobile abattoir network would enable stock slaughter on islands, remote areas, etc. | New technology required |
Risk of permanent environmental and landscape damage by developing new infrastructure | Requires sensitive siting to minimise adverse effects Reuse existing buildings/ brownfield sites in preference to new land take | Requires appropriate reuse of existing buildings |
Risk that large scale facilities may be sited in areas that help minimise costs rather than aid long term sustainability | Identification of key sites in rural Scotland that will benefit socially and economically from the development of processing facilities through local job provision | Priorities should be developed in conjunction with Scottish Rural Development Programme ( SRDP) to enhance rural communities and promote diversification |
Action 7:
Further develop the Monitor Farms initiative to increase the number of farms across Scotland and widen the scope of their activity. |
Main focus currently on business and profitability and not environmental stewardship | Best practice could include more efficient use and management of purchased inputs improving resultant environmental sustainability | Need arable and organic Monitor Farms Potential environmental benefit through sharing experience, co-operative planning and action through LEADER approach |
Scope should be widened to include environmental stewardship (public goods) | VITAL All monitor farms should have wider environment related activities/ goals, not just water Key opportunity for education with engagement from SEPA, SNH and Historic Scotland, among others | Monitor farms should embrace marketing further - for environmental benefits, biodiversity & agricultural production Need to get the marketing institutions and industries involved |
Scope should be widened to include funding issues to benefit sustainability of industry | Care must be taken to ensure Monitor Farms lead to increased co-operation between farmers and not increased competition | Need to tie in with marketing environmental benefits Fallen stock scheme should be promoted through Monitor Farms |
Action 8:
Commission case studies of diversification projects to identify critical success factors; publicise success stories; highlight available funding sources and promote the benefits of co-operation in diversification. |
Diversification has the potential to be environmentally damaging, e.g. if introduced in high numbers with insufficient regard for fragmented environmental impacts | Co-operative activities, e.g. at a watershed or catchment level, will allow planning for and mitigation of environmental impacts | Diversification can equally have environmental benefit Case studies should embrace environmental issues |
Some diversification options will have environmental impacts e.g. outdoor leisure pursuits, food trails | Education of urban dwellers on rural environmental issues will lead to improved care by visitors | Proper assessment of farm business diversification will allow baseline studies and production of successful case studies |
Diversification may impact upon cultural, heritage and archaeological sites and features | Look to enhance environmental benefits of diversification - Case studies
- Business advice
- Grant schemes
- Monitor Farms
- Promotion of environmentally friendly building techniques, e.g. wool for insulation
| Tie benefit in with cultural & architectural heritage Historic Scotland offer advice on managing the historic environment and developing management plans for land managers/ farmers - tourism opportunities Diversification can maintain rural communities, experience and the traditional skills base Scottish Agricultural College offer advice on diversification and environmental concerns |
Focus on diversification could detract from environmental stewardship and maintenance | Diversification advice should have a strong environmental perspective/ proportion | Business advisers require effective training on environmental issues |
Diversified businesses may require land take or land use change | Minimise land use change and identify alternative/ more suitable sites for hard/ permanent development Re-use of existing sites is preferable to new sites | Look at costs of not doing it properly, i.e. the costs of environmental damage, remediation or clean up costs Interrelated to action on landscape, climate change, soil protection |
Action 9:
Promote research into the commercial viability of alternative crops and biomass. |
Alternative crops will have an environmental impact in terms of changes in upstream and downstream linkages, haulage, marketing and delivery | Research into viability must include access to markets & infrastructure: - Material to incinerators
- Levels of power generation
- Collective/ co-operative production, use and power supply
- Community solutions - CHP
| Need further work and recommendations on micro-generation support and potential distributed power production feeding into the national grid Need to identify levels of support among farmers for alternative/ biomass crops and availability of domestic/ local markets - SAOS have conducted research in this area |
Biomass cropping would aid progress in meeting climate change targets, the long-term adaptability of the Scottish agriculture sector and would increase sector resilience to climate change | Large scale conversion to biomass crops should be carefully considered for effects on local biodiversity, landscape and related impacts of monocultures Potential for inter-cropping or biodiversity breaks should be considered | Potentially half or whole farm areas required to realise effective harvests and returns Need to investigate economic viability for farmers, especially if half the farm land area would be converted |
Conversion to woody products, e.g. coppice rotations and sustainable forestry aids carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation | Coppice rotation better than wheat or oil seed rape - better for soil structure, mixed/ aged woodlands | Links to Forestry Strategy and agro-forestry Pollarding as alternative to coppicing - need to investigate further |
Wholesale monocultures and harvesting could result in similar soil and water problems as today - erosion, diffuse pollution and reduced biodiversity | Research action should be widened to include landscape and landscape-scale implications | Need to promote landscape and biodiversity benefits of avoiding monocultures or introducing mixed farming/ energy cropping systems |
Over arching need to develop self sufficiency and security of energy supply should support energy crop production as separate from agricultural production | Alternative funding streams separate from agricultural subsidy should be identified to develop markets in energy crops Identify funding measures for on-farm energy production | Potential to develop collaborative cropping between farms to reduce risk and maximise efficiency Need to identify means of connecting small scale producers to National Grid - effective distributed supply |
Landscape, historic environment, changing land use and biodiversity implications | Research action should be widened to include landscape and landscape-scale implications | Need to investigate further - develop guidance including landscape pattern, historic environment |
GM crops, e.g. modified oil seed rape produces higher quantity & quality oils - biodiversity implications & knock-on effects | Wider research into implications of using GM energy crops should be developed for Scottish environment | Need to investigate further - potential examples/ lessons from, e.g. Germany |
Action 10:
Make business information on emerging and other opportunities (including energy crops/biomass, tourism, commercial recreation and forestry - at local, regional and national level) widely available to farm businesses. |
Need to ensure information also contains relevant guidance on: 1. Environmental impacts 2. Environmental sustainability 3. Mitigating actions 4. Contacts for environmental advice and assessment | Action could be improved by ensuring business advice includes environmental guidance Train business advisers in environmental impacts/ awareness/ issues surrounding historic environment Could improve general lack of awareness on historic environment issues and associated benefits for landscape pattern, quality, character | There is a difference between the availability of information, e.g. on websites, and transmission of that information through advisory networks SEERAD Area Offices SAC1 advisory networks Single Gateways for business and environmental advice - lots of information out there, but needs to be delivered effectively |
Focus on business information could skew considerations towards maximising incomes at the expense of environmental stewardship | New ventures should be reviewed for potential environmental effects and mitigation means identified Train business advisers in environmental impacts/ awareness | More advisers should be assessed for competence in delivering effective environmental advice - compliance and enhancement options |
Agri-environment programmes and LMCs encourage planned access development Paths - Core Path Projects - existing/ main paths | Improved through increasing public awareness Getting farmers to work co-operatively and with Local Authorities to maintain core paths and access to the countryside | Requires a mind-shift in approach for many farmers Most farmers used to working in isolation rather than co-operatively Tourism doesn't work at an individual farm level, so advice on this aspect is also required |
Agro-forestry and woodland pasture can provide alternative income streams | Agro-forestry and woodland pasture should be promoted as providing multiple benefits for climate change, animal welfare and biodiversity | All advice/ guidance produced should be evidence based and not anecdotal |
Action 11:
Use the Business Advice/ Whole Farm Review package to identify and develop diversification opportunities (ensuring advisers have access to information on the full range of opportunities) and to identify related training needs. |
In conjunction with the regionalised approach within the SRDP there is a need for information, awareness raising and training on cumulative and indirect environmental impacts at the regional as well as farm levels | Increase co-operation and understanding of a landscape-scale approach Whole Farm Reviews should have a strong environmental dimension | Interlinked with Action 10 Need to assess the extent of environmental information, guidance and training or awareness raising capability amongst farm advisers |
Diversification could lead to infrastructure development and land use change | Adviser training must incorporate assessment of environmental impacts and measures to minimise damage or look at alternatives for environmental enhancement Appropriate Assessments and relevant consents required if affecting Natura 2000/ protected/ historic sites | Need to realise a shift from individual units thinking on a seasonal/ annual basis to a landscape level approach with collaboration between neighbouring farmers NB - Will always come back to the benefits realised to the farmer |
Leads to identification of farm scale issues that inform community or regional level action to realise greater public benefit - LEADER approach | See Action 10 comments Build on existing examples of where people are working together Need to assess lessons learned from forestry sector which combines an economic approach with wider environmental, social and educational benefits | Forestry operates on longer timescales Need to identify means of supporting/ fostering a change in mindset Similar change required for working on a landscape scale |
Whole Farm Review could help align new ventures with environmental stewardship and enhancement | Potential for LMC more specialist approach and reviewing adviser training Specialist advice on full range of opportunities and awareness of all environmental measures including biodiversity, water, historic environment, etc. | Need to convince farmers of wider regional perspectives and develop understanding and acceptance of the benefits of landscape level approach This appears to have happened with forestry |
Opportunity to develop co-ops and link Reviews with Monitor Farms (Action 7) and the LEADER approach advocated in the SRDP | Foster information/ ideas/ experience exchange SAC1 Monitor Farm facilitators and Farm Reviewers need effective training on wider environmental aspects | Crucial Opportunity Use the Monitor Farm network to test out & support collective or co-operative action Need to examine the scope of using LEADER as catalysts/ facilitators/ network for moving from individual farm level to wider scales |
Action 12:
Expand the geographical spread of the Scottish Enterprise Planning to Succeed programme to deliver business skills training for young farmers' groups across Scotland, and exploit other opportunities to ensure support for new entrants. |
To ensure continuity and coherence, there is a need to include practical and feasible environmental awareness and training for new entrants that goes beyond the agri-environmental schemes and Tiers currently in operation | Action should be strengthened by including suitable environmental training and advice for young farmers and new entrants Key opportunity to engage next generation of land managers/ farmers in sustainability and all aspects of environmental stewardship including biodiversity, soil, water, climate, historic environment, etc. | Operated through Scottish Enterprise, need to ensure funding and assess the programme's effectiveness where it is being implemented |
Opportunity to address the feasibility of using the young farmers groups as a channel for airing concerns about environmental futures in their area and for a range of activities | Work to develop common understanding of the national goals, regional perspectives and implications/ benefits of collaborative local actions | Sustainable development & sustainability rather vague terms Need to ensure a clear, understandable definition for sustainable development and sustainability as applied to Scottish agriculture is developed and disseminated |
Opportunity to address the feasibility of using the young farmers groups as a channel for passing on information, guidance and training for environmentally benign and preferably enhancing activities and actions | Assess current advice or content of courses to ensure effective environmental information on biodiversity, water & soil protection and climate change is included | Potential to develop planning and approaches over longer term timescales, leading to greater strategic thinking Biomass options could present 3-year rotations allowing planning over longer timeframes |
Opportunity to use Young Farmers Groups ( YFG) as base for identifying Local Action Groups and promoting LEADER approach | Most effective if promoted in areas where no LAGs or LEADER programmes initiated - helps increase national coverage | |
Improving business skills will assist with diversification objectives, helping develop thriving rural communities over the long-term | Create a feedback loop/ system demonstrating community benefits back to farmers Need to ensure advice is evidence based and correct, especially as trying to engage young farmers for the long term | Explore and unpack the successful examples to understand the detail of why or if it does lead to thriving communities Address tensions between business priorities for the individual farmer and community benefits |
Could indicate the potential resource for improved environmental co-operation following contacts made through young farmers groups | Create links with other programmes including Monitor Farms, Whole Farm Reviews to develop integrated training programmes/ modules with accredited trainers/ advisers | Could/ should integrate YFG with other land management groups, e.g. young foresters, woodland groups, biodiversity action groups, education options |
Action 14:
Establish a stakeholder group to evaluate and monitor agriculture's response to climate change, through mitigation and adaptation (including the potential for related business opportunities) |
Some agricultural areas of Scotland will benefit through climate change with longer, hotter growing seasons but heavier winter rainfall could lead to increased flooding with associated cost and environmental impacts | Any action to reduce climate change impacts should be properly evaluated to ensure maximised benefits for biodiversity, soil and water conditions | Some species could be affected by increased rainfall levels Integrated Farm Management ( IFM) measures |
Greenhouse gas mitigation should focus on reducing fertiliser use Greenhouse gas mitigation should focus on reducing methane production (or capturing as much as possible as useful bio-gas) | Evaluation and monitoring should outline associated targets (regional and national) and assessment frameworks to maximise agricultural contributions to the Executive's climate change strategy Improved cattle feeds could reduce methane emissions Farms in NVZ required to keep fertiliser and manure records - could be extended across sectors | Alternative cropping regimes should be investigated for potential benefits Cost implications Reduction in slurry wastes/ slurry as a resource CAP reform could lead to reduced cattle numbers Global implications - reduced numbers of cattle in Europe could lead to increased numbers in South America with added impacts of increased rainforest conversion to grazing land |
Returning agricultural flood plains to alleviate flooding pressure could result in the reintroduction of permanent wetlands, leading to biodiversity and water quality benefits | Any considerations advocating land use change should be properly assessed to determine benefits against anticipated climate mitigation and adaptation Priority should be given to protecting carbon sinks including peat and wetlands Carbon sequestration requires long term commitment, forward planning and appropriate support mechanisms Wetland creation will encourage biodiversity improvements and improve the archaeological soil resource Appropriate Assessments and relevant consents required if affecting Natura 2000/ protected, historic sites | Options to mitigate flooding potential by using upstream agricultural land as flood plain require sufficient funding to compensate for loss of production value due to flood events (probably lower cost than downstream or urban flooding) Associated cumulative benefits for landscape, animal welfare, biodiversity, soil and water quality Potential WFD and CAR issues, similar restrictions to be considered for bio-/reed bed systems LMC - support for reservoirs & wetland creation General Binding Rules ( GBR) guidelines developed for agriculture for Water Framework Directive to be incorporated |
Potential to use agriculture systems that increase carbon sequestration include agro-forestry options, woodland pasture and energy cropping | Fuel duty relief or agricultural exemptions on the use of biodiesel for farm vehicles, machinery and associated heavy transport would help reduce costs and act to meet climate change targets | In conjunction with research into alternative crops and biomass potential (Action 9), focus should be on distributed supply networks, micro-generation and support for farm scale solutions Any change in agricultural systems for carbon sequestration has potentially positive or negative effects for the historic environment, depending on management practices |
Rural CHP, farm scale wind and solar and bioconversion are all viable options | Funding sources for conversion to renewable energy systems should be identified Potential synergies with microgeneration strategy should be recognised and promoted | Support for micro-generation and innovation would encourage conversion and uptake of options The potential for related business opportunities links with Actions 3, 8, 9, 10, 11 supporting diversification and competitiveness |
Action 15:
Promote an integrated, landscape-scale approach to environmental improvement with clearly established local and regional priorities to improve effectiveness of grant schemes, advisory services and related actions. |
Monitor Farms, Young Farmers Groups and the SRDPLEADER approach can all be utilised to develop localised or community action and develop best practice that produces regional/ landscape enhancement | Monitor Farms and LEADER should encourage positive environmental management at ranges greater than the individual farm scale Requires effective facilitation and co-operation with a long-term outlook to encourage a step change in approach | Opportunity to encourage co-operation between farmers and environmental/ wildlife NGOs |
Joint Land Management Contracts and associated funds can lead to improved landscape, maintenance of important historical, cultural or protected sites and develop shared ownership | Requires effective facilitation and co-operation with a long-term outlook to encourage a step change in approach | Land Management Contract funding for joint or communal projects may be more effective at delivering environmental improvement than single farm applications, especially over farm boundaries |
Landscape scale approach encourages accountability for management practices upstream that could lead to pollution problems downstream | Application of new regulations and General Binding Rules ( GBR) requires effective promotion and advice | Clearer definitions for a landscape scale approach are required to encourage understanding and buy-in |
Encourages co-ops between farmers to realise mutual benefit, reduce levels of diffuse pollution (and potential penalty) and enhance public goods including landscape features, quality and amenity values | Collaborative working should be supported with national funding and monitoring Need to recognise the historic environment as important landscape features | Need to ensure effective communication channels between co-ops and other groups of farmers |
SEERAD area offices, SNH, business/ farm advisers and NGOs should work with local farmers to identify most significant impacts at the regional and landscape scales | Requires effective facilitation and co-operation with a long-term outlook to encourage a step change in approach May need to review contact/ interface with farmers to deliver advice | Requires closer links with SNH, SEPA & Historic Scotland Need to monitor impact of Land Reform Tenant vs. owners issues may hinder progress - loss of control of land Renewal of farm tenancies could lead to reductions in numbers of tenants |
Action 17:
Implement action on diffuse water pollution based on sound science and the outcome of the current consultation exercise. |
Good Farming Practice ( GFP) covered best practice on diffuse pollution, there is a need to ensure LMC, GAEC and SMRs do the same | Introduction of new regulations and General Binding Rules already underway Requires effective promotion and advice | General improvement is to be expected under WFD/ CAR efforts Effective collaboration with SEPA required to educate farmers and encourage mutual/ co-operative action |
Benefits for aquatic biodiversity and lowered rates of nutrient enrichment leading to improved chemical and biological quality of waterways | Existing measures are working but could be enhanced through greater awareness of GBR | Measurement methods are being developed in place to identify suitable monitoring methods |
LMCs encourage action with added benefits for biodiversity, soil stability and minimising erosion, inter-related benefits across a range of environmental receptors including human health, animal welfare, water quality, climate change and the historic environment | Introduction of new regulations and General Binding Rules already underway Requires effective promotion and advice | Much information and good practice guides available including PEPFAA code, 4 point plan, NVZ management plans Need to integrate thinking on water pollution with soil management - Farm Soils Plan |
Land Management Contracts should incentivise barrier methods, reduction and replacement options | Introduction of new regulations and General Binding Rules already underway | |
Improvements at the farm scale lead to cumulative improvement at the regional or catchment scale and there are obvious synergies with landscape scale approach (Action 15) | Introduction of new regulations and General Binding Rules already underway Requires effective promotion and advice | Leads to reduced costs to society for water treatment to remove pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser residues Added benefits for tourism and recreation, cumulative benefits for coastal waters and landscape quality |
The Single Farm Payment should encourage (possibly enforce) the use of nutrient budgets, chemical input-output analyses and relate action through SMRs and GAEC to the polluter pays principle | Cross-compliance could be strengthened to include action on/ prevention of diffuse pollution | Could release funds for more Tier 2 and 3 measures |