Make a donation

Help fund our work to amplify nature-friendly farming’s benefits to farmers and policymakers across the UK

Policy & Views

Read a variety of articles, including topical blogs, comment pieces on policy developments and updates on key moments in farming.

Campaigns

Catch up with our latest campaigns and find out more about our work.

Farm Practices

Explore information on many aspects of nature-friendly farm practices.

What is the NFFN?

Discover our mission, our vision and the challenge we meet.

Meet The Team

Meet the farmers in our regional steering groups and the staff team at our core

FAQs

Got a question about nature-friendly farming? We've got it covered here

Supporters

We're proud to work with many organisations who support our mission.
Resources

NFFN Scotland welcomes new Cabinet Secretary announcement

Scotland
Policy & Views
Government
policy

The appointment of Gillian Martin to the portfolio for Climate Action and Rural Affairs is positive news.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) Scotland has warmly welcomed the appointment of Gillian Martin as the new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs.

Ms Martin, an SNP politician representing Aberdeenshire East, was appointed to her role as the new Scottish Government led by first minister John Swinney was unveiled.

With Scotland currently navigating a crucial period for agricultural and environmental policy, we are looking forward to working with Ms Martin to champion a resilient, nature-friendly food system which is fit for the future.

We're now calling on the new Scottish Government to hit the ground running and set out an ambitious timetable for a full-scale transition to nature-friendly farming. 

This is all the more urgent as climate change continues to have a huge impact on Scottish farmers and crofters. Rocketing fuel and fertiliser prices due to the war in the Middle East underline the urgency of moving away from chemical inputs.

Our NFFN Scotland manager Nim Kibbler said: “We are looking forward to closely collaborating with Ms Martin and eagerly await news of the junior ministers who will work with her. Climate action and rural affairs is such a dynamic, exciting area of policy where a real difference can be made. It is a key driver of our future food security and the survival of the ecosystems which underpin our nation.

“We are now pressing the government to reveal their timelines and ideas for farming beyond the term of the current parliament and the period up to 2031 set down in the Rural Support Plan. The full transition to nature-friendly farming that we need will take between five and 10 years, and farmers need long-term guarantees now so they can begin planning fundamental changes to their businesses. 

Without a clear, long-term roadmap and a baseline of reliable and predictable policy, the shift to nature-friendly and climate-resilient farming simply won’t happen, as farmers won’t have the confidence to invest in it.

Nim Kibbler

“Without a clear, long-term roadmap and a baseline of reliable and predictable policy, the shift to nature-friendly and climate-resilient farming simply won’t happen, as farmers won’t have the confidence to invest in it.”

Ms Martin’s appointment has also been greeted positively by Scottish nature-friendly farmers.

NFFN Scotland chair Denise Walton, a livestock farmer in the Scottish Borders, said: “Having already met Ms Martin through the National Forum for Biodiversity, I have seen first-hand her genuine commitment to protecting Scotland’s nature and species. We are very much looking forward to working with her to ensure that nature-friendly farming is central to Scotland’s rural strategy."

Ruth Ashton-Shaw, one of our NFFN Scotland vice chairs, said she is hoping Ms Martin will work on improving local supply chains to strengthen rural economies and communities.

Ruth, who farms in Dumfries and Galloway, said: "It is incredibly positive to have someone from a rural constituency leading this portfolio. This background provides a vital, practical grounding in the unique challenges our countryside faces. Having a Cabinet Secretary who understands this local context will be invaluable."

Our other NFFN Scotland vice chair, East Ayrshire farmer Cora Cooper, hopes Ms Martin will help to secure the future of upland farming in Scotland.

"Peatland restoration offers massive potential for carbon capture and climate resilience, but our upland farms can still be powerful economic and productive drivers while simultaneously serving as vital homes and habitats for both our people and wildlife," Cora said.

Cookie consent

We use cookies on this website to improve your experience, provide social media features, and analyse our traffic. By clicking Accept All, you agree to the use of cookies as outlined in our Cookie & Privacy Policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by clicking Cookie Settings.