The publication of long-awaited documents provide welcome clarity, but the pace of change is still too slow to adequately support nature-friendly farmers.

NFFN Scotland has welcomed the publication of long-awaited policy documents on the future of farming, but is warning that change is still happening too slowly.

The Rural Support Plan and the Code of Good Practice for Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture have now been published. These are key documents in Scotland’s transition towards a farming system that is resilient to climate change and will protect the long-term prospects of farmers, and the clarity they provide is important.

However, the pace of change is still lagging behind what is needed, with urgent action required to address climate change, restore nature and respond to the severe financial pressures on farmers.

We are also concerned that pioneering nature-friendly farmers will receive very little support over the next few years as they are already working to the high standards in the new Code.

NFFN Scotland chair Denise Walton said: “Documenting the principles in the new Code is an important step in establishing firm foundations for the future of agriculture in Scotland, and we welcome the clarity this provides. We also look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government to develop the Code further.

“However, it cannot be ignored that many of our ongoing reservations about the Code have not been addressed by what has been published. If standards are not fully integrated until 2030, we risk a worrying period of stagnation and drift at a time when climate change demands urgent action to put Scottish agriculture on a firmer footing for the future.