NFFN Scotland manager Adam Forrest rounds up the news from a busy few months of policy work, personnel changes and mapping out the year ahead.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve continued our active engagement in shaping a future for Scottish agriculture that supports nature, viable farm businesses and vibrant rural communities. Here's a look at what we have been doing.

A nature-friendly voice in key policy conversations

We recently responded to the Scottish Government’s proposals for the Future Farming Investment Scheme, welcoming the added focus on smaller farms and new entrants, while highlighting the need for more inclusive criteria and flexibility regarding equipment. We also supported the development of a list of nature-friendly farming interventions eligible for funding.

In addition, we responded to the Scottish Government’s Natural Environment Bill consultation, emphasising the importance of farmer-led, locally rooted approaches to nature recovery. We called for sufficient funding and better alignment with agriculture and land use policies - recognising that those managing the land are key to its long-term health.

Championing a better food system

We were proud to support the launch of Food, Farming and Countryside Commission’s Citizen’s Food Manifesto, which shows how strongly the public feels about a fairer, healthier, more sustainable food system. The alignment with what nature-friendly farmers are calling for adds momentum to our shared calls for change.

Looking ahead to next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, we’re continuing to engage with political parties to ensure nature-friendly farming features in every manifesto. This includes collaborative work through Scottish Environment LINK’s Food and Farming Group, and our role as founding members of the developing Scottish Agroecology Partnership. We’re excited about this work and will be sharing more information soon.

Change at NFFN Scotland

We recently said a bittersweet goodbye to our brilliant Sustainable Farming Officer, Rachael Cratchley, as she sets out to start a cow-with-calf micro-dairy with her family. We’re thrilled for her and wish her all the best - and we encourage you to follow their journey online at The Wee Dairy.

Happily, it's only a partial goodbye, as we will be retaining Rachael’s expertise through her new role on our NFFN Scotland farmer steering group.

NFFN Scotland at the Royal Highland Show

We’ll be at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh from 19–22 June - look out for our bright green NFFN marquee! Drop by for a chat, pick up some info or send new members our way.

Plus, we’re planning a major Scottish event in autumn. More details coming soon. It’s one you won’t want to miss!