Farming for the environment

Funding for rural businesses to protect our natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and adapt to climate change has been announced by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The £58.7 million funding over the next five years from the Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme will benefit nearly 1,000 projects across rural Scotland. It will help to:

• protect vulnerable and iconic species and habitats,
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
• securing carbon stores in peatlands and other organic soils
• improve water quality by reducing diffuse pollution
• control flooding through natural flood risk management
• support organic farming
• preserve the historic environment
• improve public access.

Mr Ewing said:

“Farmers and land managers across rural Scotland are the custodians of our countryside. They play a crucial role in protecting and promoting our natural environment.

“This funding will help almost 1,000 projects in their work to enhance our magnificent natural heritage, improve water quality manage flood risk and tackle climate change – playing a significant part in our efforts to protect our land, habitats, species, air and rivers.

“Everyone has a part to play in helping to achieve our ambitious climate change targets and it’s great to see so many farming businesses seeking to do their bit – benefiting their local environment and potentially boosting productivity and profitability.”

Background

An audio clip of Fergus Ewing is available to download and for use on radio from December 26 here: https://audioboom.com/posts/5427364-farming-for-the-environment