Agriculture and the environment

Agri-Environment Climate Change Scheme awards.

Projects awarded funding in most recent round of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

Actions to improve the water environment.

Analysis of emissions associated with arable in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Smart Inventory) and potential mitigation measures.

Analysis of emissions associated with sheep in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Smart inventory) and potential mitigation.

Analysis of emissions associated with dairy in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Smart Inventory) and potential mitigation.

A summary of existing evidence around the arable sector, including greenhouse gas emissions produced by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division.

Summary of existing evidence around the pig sector and greenhouse gases.

Disaggregated estimates of greenhouse gas emissions for agricultural subsectors, based on information and analysis by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).

A summary of existing evidence around Hill, Upland and Crofting (HUC) farming, including greenhouse gas emissions produced by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division.

A summary of existing evidence around the dairy sector, including greenhouse gas emissions produced by Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division.

The RPID customer satisfaction survey was held throughout August and the first week of September and all RPID Single Application Form customers were included. The survey was entirely online and 2147 (14%) of customers completed the survey.

Scotland's Climate Assembly published their full report on 23 June 2021. It included 81 recommendations for the Scottish Government, who had six months to respond. This response sets out the existing and proposed actions that government will take in order to address their recommendations.

This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on soft fruit crops grown in Scotland during 2020.

This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on arable crops and potato stores in Scotland during 2020.

Range of funding to deliver sustainable communities and protect the environment.

Final estimates of area, yield and production for winter and spring barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, for the 2021 harvest.

Peer to peer network to launch.

New measures to expand numbers and restore biodiversity.

Support available to help people save on heating bills this winter.

Draft statutory guidance on the guiding principles on the environment and the duties set out in Part 2 of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.

Analysis of a consultation on the storage and application of silage, slurry and liquid digestate held from 12 January 2021 to 13 April 2021.

Improved controls on the storage and application of slurry and digestate.

Scotland first UK nation to pursue ban on some of the most problematic products.

Draft guidance for the implementation of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (the Regulations). A final version will be produced before the Regulations come into force on 1 June 2022.

Scotland signs up to 4 per 1000 initiative.

£55 million for nature restoration and biodiversity projects.

New report advises Scottish Government on environment priorities.

National Test Programme announced.

This report is part of the research project undertaken by the James Hutton Institute on the impacts on human health and environment arising from the spreading of sewage sludge to land (CR/2016/23).

This is the project summary of the research project undertaken by the James Hutton Institute on the impacts on human health and environment arising from the spreading of sewage sludge to land (CR/2016/23).

This workshop summary report is part of the research project undertaken by the James Hutton Institute on the impacts on human health and environment arising from the spreading of sewage sludge to land (CR/2016/23).

This report on sewage sludge processing systems is part of the research project undertaken by the James Hutton Institute on the impacts on human health and environment arising from the spreading of sewage sludge to land (CR/2016/23).

This report on the risks to human health is part of the research project undertaken by the James Hutton Institute on the impacts on human health and environment arising from the spreading of sewage sludge to land (CR/2016/23).

Rural funding scheme extended.

Final results from the 2021 June Agricultural Census on land use, crop areas, livestock and the number of people working on agricultural holdings.

Initial estimates of area, yield and production for winter and spring barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, for the 2021 harvest.

Scottish Government in conjunction with the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP), have completed a review of the first 10 year strategy. This will allow us to understand the progress made since 2010 and how to support the sector in future years.

This screening document sets out how islands issues have been taken into consideration during the development of the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill.

This consultation seeks views on achieving this vision and ensuring Fair Work remains at the heart of our labour market interventions, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and EU Exit, by identifying the relevant challenges and opportunities for Fair Work across the Scottish economy.

Guidance to assist authorised persons in the carrying out of their functions regarding the new sections inserted into the 2006 Act by section 19 of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020.

Sets out our overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland in the transition to a net zero nation which is prepared for the effects of our changing climate.

This publication announces that the Scottish Ministers have decided to bring forward legislation amalgamating the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. The resultant body will be an expanded Land Court.

Screening Report for the Island Communities Impact Assessment undertaken for the National Development Plan for Crofting.

The Scottish Government's initial response to the final report of the Just Transition Commission. It sets out our long-term vision for just transition and provides details on our National Just Transition Planning Framework.

Second annual progress report on the land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. It covers the period of March 2020 to March 2021.

Scottish Animal Welfare Commission report on the principles for ascribing sentience to animals and case study of the evidence for sentience in cephalopods.

This consultation provides an overview of the key themes and recommendations emerging from the Farmer Led Group process, setting out a number of key questions to inform wider work on the development of agricultural policy and in particular the replacement to CAP.

Everyone, from private individuals to businesses and organisations are invited to help shape a local food strategy for Scotland. This consultation is the first stage in a strategy to make high quality food accessible to all and promote the benefits of local food.

Report detailing progress of the work carried out in 2020 through the implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.

Heavy rain and flooding expected.

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.

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.

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.

Technology to predict crop types.

Poultry keepers advised to remain vigilant as heightened biosecurity measures lifted

Publication of reports from sector-led climate groups.

Farmer funding ahead of target.

Access to scheme allows women in crofting and agriculture to develop their skills. 

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.

Development of regional food and drink projects across Scotland.

Providing training support for women.

Setting the direction and shape for agricultural support.

Support for hardest hit communities and sectors.

New licensing regime to take effect from March.

Package of more than £70 million confirmed.

Building or improving Crofters’ homes.

Tackling climate change in farming and food production.

Making agriculture more sustainable.

Disease confirmed in birds in Scotland.

A National Statistics Publication.

£18 million to improve land and livestock management.

Bird keepers should review biosecurity and house birds.

Additional measures to protect birds of prey.

More sustainable farming and food production.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared in response to cases of highly pathogenic H5N8 in GB and Europe.

A summary report of findings from research into socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and the employment rights of gamekeepers

Consultation on a draft strategy for the next cycle of research on the environment, natural resources and agriculture which starts in 2022. 

Information from a survey of pesticide use on outdoor vegetable crops grown in Scotland during 2019.

A National Statistics Publication.

People encouraged to continue recycling to help the environment.

£160 million investment for forestry and agriculture.

American Foulbrood found near Blairgowrie.

Shellfish growers and trout farmers share £3 million

Farm payment schemes to alleviate COVID-19 pressures.

Vision and objectives, priorities and policies for the future management of the estate to deliver wider and long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.

Call to put all available resource towards tackling COVID-19.

Behaviour fuelling perception of food shortages.

£86.2 million of convergence payments now underway.

Moving to a low-carbon future.

Agricultural Transformation Programme announced.

Investment to support sector.

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.

Investment for remote rural areas underway.

Taskforce recommendations published.

Support for individuals and families.

Challenging outcome for the Scottish industry.

Statistics on area, production and yield of cereals in Scotland in 2019.

Information from a survey of rodenticide use on arable farms in Scotland in 2018.

Information from a survey of pesticide use on arable crops and potato stores in Scotland during 2018.

Information from a survey of pesticide use on soft fruit crops grown in Scotland during 2018.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Protecting communities from extreme weather.

Review into planning underway.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Statistics regarding the area of crops and other farmland, livestock, agriculture workforce and rented farmland.

Initial estimates of area, yield and production for winter and spring barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, for the 2019 harvest.

2018 fish farm production statistics published.

Statistical news release.

Export costs to increase.

€60 million payout for Scots farmers recommended.

New measures announced as Cabinet meets in Stirling.

Funding released to help mitigate impacts of Brexit.

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.

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.

Additional £11 million for peatland restoration.

Letter from Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing to Secretary of State Michael Gove about convergence allocations.

First Minister announces food education programme.

New working group formed.

Poll says nearly 90% of Scots think farming is vital to economic growth.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

A world first for conservation of marine life. 

European Foulbrood (EFB) detected in West Lothian colony.

New entrants to farming industry get help from Scottish Government scheme.

Driving forward low carbon farming.

Less favoured area payments underway.

Payments underway ahead of schedule.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Improving food and farm businesses.

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Annual agricultural survey results based on data from larger agricultural holdings together with estimates for smaller farms.

Young farmers leading the way.

Delivering rural commitments.

Farming at risk.

£713,000 to increase community resilience

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).

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.

Initial process evaluation for LEADER 2014-2020 and assessment of its economic, social, cultural and environmental impact on rural communities.

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.

Statistics regarding the area of crops and other farmland, livestock, agriculture workforce and rented farmland.

Initial estimates of area, yield and production for winter and spring barely, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, for the 2018 harvest.

This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on outdoor vegetable crops grown in Scotland during 2017.

This publication presents information from a survey of pesticide use on grassland and fodder crops in Scotland during 2017.

This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on grassland and fodder farms in Scotland in 2017.

The National Council of Rural Advisers' report detailing their final recommendations to Scottish Ministers.

This report details the analysis of the National Council of Rural Advisers' (NCRA) consultation.

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.

Results of the survey of bank advances to Scottish agriculture, together with other relevant data regarding loans to agriculture.

Consultation by National Consultation of Rural Advisers (NCRA) to help inform recommendations for Scottish Government on future policy direction for the rural economy.

Annual agricultural survey based on data from larger agricultural holdings together with estimates for smaller farms.

Statistics on farming in Scotland.

Results of the survey of bank advances to Scottish agriculture, together with other relevant data regarding loans to agriculture.

Review of the legislation governing small landholdings in Scotland and supporting consultation analysis.

Annual agricultural survey based on data from larger agricultural holdings together with estimates for smaller farms.

Annual update of the amount lent to the agriculture sector by the clearing banks and other financial institutions.

Guidance booklets to help farmers to comply with the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

Maps of the five Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in Scotland.

Form for applying for a grassland derogation under the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

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.

The code is aimed at all professional users of plant protection products (pesticides) in Scotland.

A short version of the new prevention of environmental pollution from agricultural activity (PEPFAA) code of practice.