Agriculture and the environment
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Natural capital: economic benefits assessment
Outlines new economic analysis that quantifies the likely economic impacts, measured as output and jobs created, from hypothetical cross-sector regional and national programmes of natural capital investment in Scotland.
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Breaking New Ground? Developing a Scottish tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy Consultation Analysis Report
Report on the responses to the Scottish Government consultation regarding the structure and operation of a Scottish Aggregates Tax
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Land use strategy: fourth annual progress report 2022-2023
Fourth 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 2022 to March 2023.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Agricultural Tenancies proposals Environmental Report
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes. This Report accompanies the Agricultural Tenancies proposals, within the Land Reform Bill.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Small Landholdings and Land Use Tenancy Proposals Environmental Report
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes. This Report accompanies the Small Landholding and Land Use Tenancy proposals, within the Land Reform Bill.
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Agricultural tenancies, small landholdings and land use tenancy proposals: strategic environmental assessment - consultation
This consultation provides you with the opportunity to examine the environmental impact of our proposed changes to agricultural tenancies, small landholdings, and the new land use tenancy.
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New National Parks: nominations guidance and appraisal framework
Information on the nomination process for the New National Park(s) project, including links to all key documents for nominating groups.
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Out to Play - caring for our outdoor spaces
Guidance to make the most of the outdoor spaces your early learning and childcare settings use and caring for the environment through embedding Learning for Sustainability. This guidance supports practitioners to provide high quality outdoor play experiences.
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New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation analysis
Consultation analysis report on the draft appraisal framework criteria for new National Parks.
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Future of National Parks: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report
This environmental report is part of the strategic environmental assessment for the future of National Parks in Scotland.
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New legal targets proposed for nature recovery
Further action to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
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New Rural Support Scheme development - evidence: outputs summary
This synthesis report covers twelve written reports providing evidence reviews, analysis, summaries and expert briefings on agriculture in Scotland to shape future policy to help deliver sustainable food production that tackles climate change and nature restoration.
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Improving animal health and welfare
Support for farmers and vets.
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Non-methane volatile organic compound emissions from malt whisky maturation: final report
Review of the human health and environmental impacts of non-methane volatile organic compound emissions from malt whisky maturation facilities prepared for the Scottish Government by Aether.
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Scotland's guiding principles on the environment: statutory guidance
This guidance provides information on how officials across government should apply the environmental principles when developing policy.
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Environment - guiding principles consultation: statutory guidance – Parliamentary statement and analysis report
As required by section 18(4) of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 the Scottish Government has provided a parliamentary statement and an analysis report on the consultation on Scotland’s Guiding Principles on the Environment: Statutory Guidance.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: child rights and wellbeing screening sheet
Child rights and wellbeing screening sheet for the Vision for sustainable aquaculture
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National Islands Plan review: consultation
We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.
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Support for fruit and vegetable growers
Funding scheme for producers extended.
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Biodiversity duty report 2018 to 2020
Report detailing how the Scottish Government furthered the conservation of biodiversity when exercising its functions, during the period 2018 to 2020 inclusive.
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More support for crofters
Improving energy efficiency of croft homes.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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Air quality report 2022: public engagement
Findings from a quantitative study exploring public perceptions of air quality in Scotland among adults.
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Firework control zones: guidance for local authorities
Guidance which details the process local authorities should follow for designating, amending, or revoking a firework control zone within their boundaries.
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Use of Asulox for bracken control
Risks outweigh the potential benefits.
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New estimates explore emissions and nitrogen use on Scottish farms
An experimental statistics publication.
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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: progress report 2022 to 2023
Second annual progress report relating to the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 which outlines the progress made in relation to the Plan’s three themes during the last year as well as key delivery achievements and activity planned for the coming year.
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Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition.
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Scottish Natural Capital Accounts: 2023
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
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Supporting the next generation of farmers
Success of Starter Farm Initiative.
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Planning for water scarcity
Call for responsible water use as resilience room meets.
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Protecting Scotland’s peatlands will be key part of future rural policy
Rural Affairs Secretary re-affirms alignment to EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
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Land reform in a Net Zero nation: consultation analysis
Outlines the findings from an analysis of responses to a public consultation on land reform in a Net Zero nation.
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Scotland’s producers deserve better, says Minister
Rural Affairs Secretary comments on UK trade deals.
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Climate change monitoring report 2023
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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American Foulbrood found in Perthshire beehive
Beekeepers within 3km of affected hive encouraged to increase biosecurity.
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Nitrogen use efficiency in Scotland: annual report 2023
First annual report under section 5(1)(c) of the Climate Change (Nitrogen Balance Sheet) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, and complements the latest published version of the Nitrogen Balance Sheet for the year 2020.
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Scottish Ministers call for meaningful engagement from UK Government on issues of food security
Rural Affairs Secretary writes to Prime Minister.
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Protecting food security
Monitoring supply chain to build resilience.
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New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation
We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations in Scotland. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks.
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New National Parks - nomination process and draft appraisal framework: consultation
We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks in Scotland.
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Next steps for national parks in Scotland
Call for expressions of interest from local areas.
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Mobilising private investment in natural capital: report
This report looks at how to encourage responsible private investment into peatland restoration, including how to overcome barriers to scaling voluntary carbon markets to restore peatland in Scotland.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Delivering Scotland's Circular Economy - route map to 2025 and beyond: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the 2022 consultation on Delivering Scotland's Circular Economy: Route map to 2025 and Beyond.
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Protections for Scotland’s cattle industry
Legislation strengthened to prevent the spread of infection.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022
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. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.
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Farm income increases in 2021-22
A National Statistics Publication.
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Environment Strategy for Scotland: second progress report
The second annual report to Parliament on progress in developing the Environment Strategy for Scotland, as required under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.
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Supporting Scotland’s small producers
New Fund to help grow local supply chains.
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Wildlife management legislation introduced to Parliament
New laws to protect wildlife and biodiversity.
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More support for Scotland’s crofters
Improving homes in remote and rural communities.
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National parks - challenge exercise: summary analysis
Summary analysis of contributions made to the 'Future for National Parks in Scotland' challenge exercise, May to June 2022, on our public dialogue platform www.ideas.gov.scot.
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Salmon farming - use of acoustic deterrent devices: report
Report on the use of acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) in salmon farming to control predation by seals and their wider effects on wildlife by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.
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Scotland's Blue Economy: current status review
Describes our starting position in the transition to adopting a Blue Economy approach to marine sectors, communities, and the environment. It provides us with the foundation to consider how we can track our progress and determine if significant and lasting change is occurring.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Rodenticides on Grassland and Fodder Farms 2021
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on grassland and fodder farms in Scotland in 2021.
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Ending the sale of peat in Scotland
Phasing out use of peat to protect the environment.
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Ending the sale of peat: consultation
We are consulting on ending the sale of peat in Scotland. Responses to this consultation will inform plans and timescales for moving away from using peat products in order to protect peatlands from further damage. Their protection and restoration form important components of our Climate Change Plan.
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Funding to help nature projects grow
Supporting and scaling up responsible investment in nature.
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National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) 2021: analysis
The National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) is a statistical survey design that ensures collection of unbiased data on the density and status of salmon and the pressures that affect them, including water quality and genetic introgression. This report presents the latest analysis.
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Reducing emissions from agriculture – the role of new farm technologies
This research identified and evaluated technologies which could offer carbon savings in Scottish agriculture which are not currently in use but could be brought to market within 20 years. A shortlist of technologies were explored in greater detail to identify candidates for accelerated development.
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Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers
The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.
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Flood warnings remain
Scottish Government resilience committee holds further meeting.
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Scotland leads global action for nature.
Environment Minister welcomes international support for Edinburgh Declaration.
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National Test Programme - testing actions for sustainable farming phase one: survey report
Testing actions for sustainable farming phase 1 survey was to understand the current state of the uptake of sustainable farming practices and motivations/barriers for farmers and crofters to inform phase 2 of the National Test Programme.
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Pesticide usage in Scotland: Grassland and Fodder Crops 2021
This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on grassland and fodder crops in Scotland during 2021.
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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
Zone declared in Scotland and across Great Britain
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Supporting innovation and knowledge sharing in Agriculture
Projects receive funding through Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.
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Mini-budget measures “an attack on nature”
UK Government urged to drop damaging proposals.
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Payments make tree planting another option for agri sector
Small areas of woodland classed as Ecological Focus Areas
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Concerns over Free Trade Agreement
UK’s deal with New Zealand “damaging” to Scottish farmers and food producers.
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Scaling up nature restoration
£3.5 million for landscape-scale biodiversity projects.
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Boost for recycling and reuse
Further investment to improve local recycling.
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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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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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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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Blue Economy Vision launch
Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Small landholdings in Scotland: legislation review
Review of the legislation governing small landholdings in Scotland and supporting consultation analysis.
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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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