Sustainable and regenerative agriculture: code of practice

Section 4: Questions and Answers

Who is the Code for?

The Code of Practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture is a tool that can be used by any farmer or crofter to help them make decisions on their farm or croft. This will benefit their business and help provide for regenerative and sustainable outcomes, which in turn will also benefit the environment. The Scottish Government recognises that many farmers and crofters are already implementing management actions or measures on their business that may be detailed within the Code. This document is a guideline for anyone wishing to seek more information on ways to farm sustainably.

How do I use the Code?

The Code should be used in a way that works for each individual business. There is no expectation to implement every single management action or measure in the Code rather it can be used to guide farmers and crofters when deciding what sustainable and regenerative practices are best for their farm type.

What do sustainable and regenerative mean?

The Code sets out what Ministers consider to be examples of sustainable and regenerative. No definitions are set in the 24 Act but there are instead explanations of key terminology or “definitions” for the purposes of the Code in Section 1. This allows these definitions to be adaptable over time in response to changing practices and as scientific evidence emerges. Section 1 provides an understanding of terms that may already have a common understanding.

Is the Code mandatory?

The Code is not mandatory, it is designed as a a useful tool to refer to.

Will there be funding available for some of these actions?

Yes there may be an overlap with some of the management actions and measures described in the code and funding available via the Future Support Framework. The Future Support Framework is explained further in Annex A and Section 5 provides links to further support and reading that may be of interest.