Agriculture and the environment
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Boost for recycling and reuse
Further investment to improve local recycling.
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Making the Future - second Just Transition Commission: initial report
The second Just Transition Commission convened in early 2022 with a remit to provide scrutiny and advice on the Scottish Government’s sectoral and regional just transition plans. This initial report sets out strategic priorities to ensure the decarbonisation of Scotland's economy is delivered fairly
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Land reform in a Net Zero Nation: consultation paper
The next Land Reform Bill will make important changes to the framework of law and policy that govern the system of ownership, management and use of land in Scotland. This consultation sets out the Scottish Government's proposals for the Bill and seeks views on a range of land-related issues.
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The Honey Bee Health Strategy 2022 - 2032
The main aim of the strategy is “Working in partnership to achieve a healthy and sustainable population of honey bees in Scotland”.
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Support for equality in agriculture
Range of practical training courses for women.
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Supporting innovation in agriculture
Fund of more than £200m to back innovative projects.
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Biodiversity strategy: consultation
Biodiversity is vital for us all and it is in crisis, globally and in Scotland, so we need to change the way we use natural resources. We are seeking views on how we should tackle the biodiversity crisis through a new biodiversity strategy which will drive this transformation.
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Land use strategy: annual progress report 2021/2022
Third annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. It covers the period of March 2021 to March 2022.
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Scottish Government responds to UK gene editing bill
Minister signals no change to GM regime in Scotland.
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Salmon and Sea Trout Fishery Statistics updated for the 2021 Season
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021: guidance
Guidance relating to the implementation of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
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Delivering Scotland's circular economy - proposed Circular Economy Bill: consultation
This consultation seeks views on our proposals for legislation to develop Scotland’s circular economy. The consultation sets out a number of areas in which we are seeking views on whether to take powers within a new Circular Economy Bill.
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Response to the Climate Change Committee: progress reducing emissions – report to Parliament 2021
In December 2021, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published its annual report on progress in reducing emissions in Scotland, assessing the government’s climate change mitigation activity. This report addresses the CCC’s recommendations.
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Climate Change Plan: monitoring reports 2022
The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
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Review of the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement: analysis of consultation responses
A report on the analysis of the responses to the consultation on the Review of the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement.
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New National Parks for Scotland
Public encouraged to take part in consultation.
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Scottish Natural Capital Accounts 2022
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
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Scotland's Vision for Trade: annual report - March 2022
Our first annual report on Scotland's Vision for Trade, outlining the range of specific actions that we have taken over the past year and our continued ambition to make trade-related decisions based on the principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance.
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Blue Economy Vision launch
Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management.
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A Blue Economy Vision for Scotland
Sets out our long-term ambition for Scotland’s blue economy to 2045. It demonstrates how much we value our marine environment and its significance. This is captured in six outcomes sitting across a range of environmental, social and economic ambitions.
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Honey bee health strategy survey 2022: analysis
Results of a survey we carried out to gather the views of the beekeeping community and those with an interest in honey bees to identify areas to help guide the direction of the new 10-year honey bee health strategy.
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Agricultural wages in Scotland: guide - twenty sixth edition
The Agricultural Wages Order and guidance for workers and employers details the minimum hourly rates of pay and other terms and conditions for agricultural workers in Scotland.
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Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2020-2021
Farm business level estimates of average incomes for 2020-2021.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2021
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Rodenticides on Arable Farms 2020
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on arable farms in Scotland in 2020
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Good Food Nation - programme of measures: interim update 2022
A report on the progress made on Scotland's Good Food Nation ambitions.
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Sustainable and regenerative farming - next steps: statement
Information about how we will support farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
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Agriculture Policy Development Group: terms of reference
Terms of reference for the Agricultural Policy Development Group (APDG).
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Promoting low carbon farming and protecting the environment
Agri-Environment Climate Change Scheme awards.
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Sharing knowledge and innovation to tackle climate change
Projects awarded funding in most recent round of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.
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Transforming Scotland’s waters
Actions to improve the water environment.
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Supporting Rural Scotland
Range of funding to deliver sustainable communities and protect the environment.
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Showcasing agricultural climate action
Peer to peer network to launch.
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Protecting Scotland’s beaver population
New measures to expand numbers and restore biodiversity.
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£50 million for warmer, greener homes
Support available to help people save on heating bills this winter.
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Reducing agricultural emissions
Improved controls on the storage and application of slurry and digestate.
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Action on single-use plastic
Scotland first UK nation to pursue ban on some of the most problematic products.
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Boosting carbon storage in agricultural soil
Scotland signs up to 4 per 1000 initiative.
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Expanded funding to restore and protect nature
£55 million for nature restoration and biodiversity projects.
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First Minister meets global environmental experts at COP26
New report advises Scottish Government on environment priorities.
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Ambitious future for rural Scotland
National Test Programme announced.
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Creating a fairer, greener nation
Rural funding scheme extended.
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Amber thunderstorm warning
Heavy rain and flooding expected.
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Arable Climate Change Group - a new blueprint for Scotland's arable sector: report
Report from the Arable Climate Change Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.
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Dairy Sector Climate Change Group: report
Report from the Dairy Sector Climate Change Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.
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Sustainable and integrated farming and crofting activity in the hills and uplands of Scotland: blueprint - report
Report from the Hill, Upland and Crofting Climate Change Group, one of the farmer-led groups established to develop advice and proposals for the Scottish Government. It focusses on how to cut emissions and tackle climate change, something that was re-emphasised in the updated Climate Change Plan.
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Mapping Scotland’s crops
Technology to predict crop types.
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Lifting the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
Poultry keepers advised to remain vigilant as heightened biosecurity measures lifted
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Signalling a sustainable future for farming and food production
Publication of reports from sector-led climate groups.
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Providing financial certainty
Farmer funding ahead of target.
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Additional funding increases training support for women in agriculture
Access to scheme allows women in crofting and agriculture to develop their skills.
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Inclusive participation in rural Scotland: research report
Preliminary exploration report details the findings of research into barriers to participation facing lesser heard voices in the context of rural Scotland. Specifically, it focuses on the LGBTI community, disabled people, carers and ethnic minorities.
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Celebrating local produce
Development of regional food and drink projects across Scotland.
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Addressing rural Scotland’s gender imbalance
Providing training support for women.
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Preparing for the future
Setting the direction and shape for agricultural support.
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Undoing damage and creating stability
Support for hardest hit communities and sectors.
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Greater protection for iconic Scottish mountain hares
New licensing regime to take effect from March.
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Convergence payments underway
Package of more than £70 million confirmed.
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Grants for Crofters
Building or improving Crofters’ homes.
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Improving sustainability through innovation
Tackling climate change in farming and food production.
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Farmer-led groups to combat climate change
Making agriculture more sustainable.
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Avian Influenza case
Disease confirmed in birds in Scotland.
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Increase in Agricultural Production for 2020
A National Statistics Publication.
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Supporting sustainable farming
£18 million to improve land and livestock management.
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New housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds against avian flu
Bird keepers should review biosecurity and house birds.
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Werritty Report response
Additional measures to protect birds of prey.
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Farmer-led groups to tackle climate change
More sustainable farming and food production.
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Avian influenza protection measures
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared in response to cases of highly pathogenic H5N8 in GB and Europe.
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Driven grouse moors - socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts: summary report
A summary report of findings from research into socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and the employment rights of gamekeepers
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Environment, natural resources and agriculture research - draft strategy: consultation
Consultation on a draft strategy for the next cycle of research on the environment, natural resources and agriculture which starts in 2022.
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Pesticide usage: outdoor vegetable crops 2019
Information from a survey of pesticide use on outdoor vegetable crops grown in Scotland during 2019.
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Provisional Results Show Increase in Agricultural Production for 2020
A National Statistics Publication.
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Recycle Week 2020
People encouraged to continue recycling to help the environment.
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Rural role in green recovery
£160 million investment for forestry and agriculture.
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Bee disease confirmed in Perthshire
American Foulbrood found near Blairgowrie.
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Support for aquaculture
Shellfish growers and trout farmers share £3 million
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Supporting agriculture
Farm payment schemes to alleviate COVID-19 pressures.
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Scottish Crown Estate: strategic management plan
Vision and objectives, priorities and policies for the future management of the estate to deliver wider and long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.
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Planning for Brexit
Call to put all available resource towards tackling COVID-19.
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Consumers asked to shop considerately
Behaviour fuelling perception of food shortages.
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Agricultural support underway
£86.2 million of convergence payments now underway.
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New beef sector climate group
Moving to a low-carbon future.
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Moving to low carbon farming
Agricultural Transformation Programme announced.
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Farm payments underway
Investment to support sector.
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Pesticide usage in Scotland 2016: soft fruit crops – revised 2020
Revised report to correct inaccuracies in active substance application weight data that were overestimated in the original soft fruit crop 2016 report published in 2017.
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Less favoured area support
Investment for remote rural areas underway.
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Simplifying CAP
Taskforce recommendations published.
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Alleviating rural hardship
Support for individuals and families.
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Brussels fishery talks
Challenging outcome for the Scottish industry.
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Cereal and oilseed rape harvest: final estimates - 2019
Statistics on area, production and yield of cereals in Scotland in 2019.
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Pesticide usage - rodenticides on arable farms 2018: survey results
Information from a survey of rodenticide use on arable farms in Scotland in 2018.
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Pesticide usage - arable crops and potato stores 2018: survey results
Information from a survey of pesticide use on arable crops and potato stores in Scotland during 2018.
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Pesticide usage - soft fruit crops 2018: survey results
Information from a survey of pesticide use on soft fruit crops grown in Scotland during 2018.
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Pesticide usage in Scotland
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Flooding action plan launched
Protecting communities from extreme weather.
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Rural planning to be prioritised
Review into planning underway.
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Increase in 2019 cereal harvest predicted
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Favourable weather helps farming recover.
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Scottish Agricultural Census: June 2019
Statistics regarding the area of crops and other farmland, livestock, agriculture workforce and rented farmland.
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Cereal and oilseed rape harvest - first estimates: 2019
Initial estimates of area, yield and production for winter and spring barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, for the 2019 harvest.
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Increase in employment in Aquaculture
2018 fish farm production statistics published.
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Scottish fish farm production survey 2018
Statistical news release.
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Brexit impact on red meat sector
Export costs to increase.
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Lord Bew’s agriculture funding review
€60 million payout for Scots farmers recommended.
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Action to address climate emergency
New measures announced as Cabinet meets in Stirling.
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Loans offered to farmers early
Funding released to help mitigate impacts of Brexit.
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Review of the environmental and socio-economic barriers and benefits to organic agriculture in Scotland: summary report
Summary report of the research carried out by Harper Adams University, on behalf of the Scottish Government, into the environmental and socio-economic barriers and benefits to organic agriculture in Scotland.
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Review of the environmental and socio-economic barriers and benefits to organic agriculture in Scotland
Report of the research carried out by Harper Adams University, on behalf of the Scottish Government, into the environmental and socio-economic barriers and benefits to organic agriculture in Scotland.
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Tackling climate change
Additional £11 million for peatland restoration.
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Convergence Review
Letter from Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing to Secretary of State Michael Gove about convergence allocations.
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An appetite for education
First Minister announces food education programme.
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Farming and food production
New working group formed.
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Scotland supports its farmers
Poll says nearly 90% of Scots think farming is vital to economic growth.
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Agriculture Facts and Figures
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2017
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Protecting Scotland’s seas
A world first for conservation of marine life.
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Bee disease confirmed in West Lothian
European Foulbrood (EFB) detected in West Lothian colony.
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Farmers to benefit from more land
New entrants to farming industry get help from Scottish Government scheme.
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Farming for a better climate
Driving forward low carbon farming.
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Support for remote rural areas
Less favoured area payments underway.
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Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme
Payments underway ahead of schedule.
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Scottish Farm Business Income at six year high
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Agri-tourism monitor farms
Improving food and farm businesses.
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Weather helps farmers with winter planting
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Scottish agricultural survey: December 2018
Annual agricultural survey results based on data from larger agricultural holdings together with estimates for smaller farms.
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Farming and climate change
Young farmers leading the way.
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Bringing rural policy into the mainstream
Delivering rural commitments.
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Brexit farm compensation
Farming at risk.
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Action against flooding
£713,000 to increase community resilience
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Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release etc) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2016: BRIA
Business regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release etc) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2016 (amending SSI 2002 No.541 and transposing EU Directive 2015/412).
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Chemicals and genetically modified organisms: notification to the Scottish Parliament
Notification about deficiencies in legislation due to EU exit in the event of a 'no deal' scenario, and proposed amendments to ensure the law continues to operate.
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LEADER 2014-2020: process evaluation
Initial process evaluation for LEADER 2014-2020 and assessment of its economic, social, cultural and environmental impact on rural communities.
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The Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 (Variation of Schedule 5) Order 2018: business and regulatory impact assessment
Finalised Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for the update of schedule 5 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991, which covers improvements for which a tenant may be compensated when a tenancy ends.
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Scottish Agricultural Census: June 2018
Statistics regarding the area of crops and other farmland, livestock, agriculture workforce and rented farmland.
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Cereal and oilseed rape harvest - first estimates: 2018
Initial estimates of area, yield and production for winter and spring barely, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, for the 2018 harvest.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Outdoor Vegetable Crops 2017
This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on outdoor vegetable crops grown in Scotland during 2017.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Grassland and Fodder Crops 2017
This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on grassland and fodder crops in Scotland during 2017.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Rodenticides on Grassland & Fodder Farms 2017
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on grassland and fodder farms in Scotland in 2017.
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New blueprint for Scotland's rural economy: recommendations to Scottish Ministers
The National Council of Rural Advisers' report detailing their final recommendations to Scottish Ministers.
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Together we can, together we will: analysis of consultation responses
This report details the analysis of the National Council of Rural Advisers' (NCRA) consultation.
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Small landholdings legislation: guide to the law in Scotland
There are only a few Small Landholdings left in Scotland and these are governed by complex, historic legislation. This guide summarises key legal elements for those with an interest.
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Bank advances to Scottish agriculture 2018
Results of the survey of bank advances to Scottish agriculture, together with other relevant data regarding loans to agriculture.
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Together we can, together we will: consultation
Consultation by National Consultation of Rural Advisers (NCRA) to help inform recommendations for Scottish Government on future policy direction for the rural economy.
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Scottish agricultural survey: December 2017
Annual agricultural survey based on data from larger agricultural holdings together with estimates for smaller farms.
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Scottish Agricultural Census: June 2017
Statistics on farming in Scotland.
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Bank advances to Scottish agriculture: 2017 survey results
Results of the survey of bank advances to Scottish agriculture, together with other relevant data regarding loans to agriculture.
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Small landholdings in Scotland: legislation review
Review of the legislation governing small landholdings in Scotland and supporting consultation analysis.
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Scottish agricultural survey: December 2016
Annual agricultural survey based on data from larger agricultural holdings together with estimates for smaller farms.
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Bank Advances to Scottish Agriculture 2016
Annual update of the amount lent to the agriculture sector by the clearing banks and other financial institutions.
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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: guidance for farmers
Guidance booklets to help farmers to comply with the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: maps
Maps of the five Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in Scotland.
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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: grassland derogation application form
Form for applying for a grassland derogation under the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: Nmax calculator
Tool for calculating Nmax limits for crop types and for assisting with recording compliance with other key elements of the Nitrates Vulnerable Zone Action Programme (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
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Pesticides: code of practice for using plant protection products in Scotland
The code is aimed at all professional users of plant protection products (pesticides) in Scotland.
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Prevention of environmental pollution from agricultural activity: dos and don'ts guide
A short version of the new prevention of environmental pollution from agricultural activity (PEPFAA) code of practice.
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Prevention of environmental pollution from agricultural activity: guidance
Code of good practice, giving practical advice to farmers and others on minimising pollution.
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