Agriculture and the environment
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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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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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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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