Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme – Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment – August 2026

Executive summary

Issue and why it needs to be addressed

The issue is the need to develop a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system for different occupational groups in agriculture. The need for enhanced fit-for-purpose training, education and skills to enable farmers to improve their profitability and to become greener was highlighted by the national discussion on the future of Scottish agriculture in 2015-16.

Consultation activities from that date have highlighted the importance of these areas and support for them. These areas have been seen to be crucial to drive the change that is needed to bring about the transition that is needed to achieve the Vision of Agriculture. As part of Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme, it could help to underpin the support provided as a whole in that support package and help to deliver the Vision of Agriculture.

In the autumn of 2026 the Scottish Government is consulting on a CPD system as part of Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme. The consultation asks a series of questions about proposals for a system, including approaches that could be undertaken and policies. Scottish Ministers have not taken any decisions on the introduction of the CPD system, its approach and policies. The consultation will provide further evidence to inform any decisions that they make on such a system in due course.

Intended outcomes

A CPD system in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme could encourage and facilitate personal and professional development, and improvement in practices in agriculture, land management and other associated vocational fields.

It could help to underpin the support provided as a whole in the Agricultural Reform Programme and help to deliver the Vision of Agriculture. It could help to contribute to the five strategic outcomes of the Agricultural Reform Programme. It could help to support a Just Transition in respect of skills, knowledge exchange, wellbeing and mental health and access to services. It could have downstream benefits for the four outcomes in the Programme:

• High Quality Food Production
• Thriving Agricultural Businesses
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
• Nature Restoration.

It could also help meet short, medium and long-term outcomes of the Agricultural Reform Programme.

It could help to contribute to the following national outcomes: we have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy; we live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe; we have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone; we are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society; we respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination.

Options

The options considered by the Scottish Government are:

• Option 1: Set up a CPD system for specific occupational groups within agriculture and crofting with a framework to undertake CPD and participate in a range of CPD activities.
• Option 2: Do not set up a CPD system for specific occupational groups within agriculture and crofting with a framework to undertake CPD and participate in a range of CPD activities.

Sectors affected

The CPD system would apply to groups of people (and individuals within them) including farmers, crofters, land managers, persons who provide relevant advice to them, as well as others who provide advice or services in or for rural communities throughout Scotland. This would affect all the businesses within these occupational groups throughout Scotland.

Engagement completed, ongoing and planned

The overall aim of the engagement approach is to work co-creatively with the agriculture sector to develop the CPD system. This means continually working with stakeholders throughout the entire development of the policy. This approach is one that is being undertaken by the Agricultural Reform Programme as a whole. To date there has been extensive engagement. This will continue throughout the development and implementation processes, as well as monitoring and evaluation.

Anticipated impacts (intended and unintended, positive and negative) and mitigating actions

Option 1: Set up a CPD system for specific occupational groups within agriculture and crofting with a framework to undertake CPD and participate in a range of CPD activities.

• Quantified costs – there would be no direct costs to use the CPD portal, while the range of CPD activities would be from zero upwards. There would be a time cost associated with undertaking CPD activities.
• International competitiveness – businesses would be able to invest in the personal and professional development of their employees and others connected with them and would help them to be able to compete internationally.
• Benefits to businesses – the encouragement and participation in personal and professional development that would help to ensure that the businesses are skilled and knowledgeable, competitive and able to embrace change.
• Small business impacts – it would be for businesses to decide what CPD activities to undertake and where to source them.
• Investment – investment in personal and professional development would positively affect Scottish businesses and their ability to attract global investment.
• Workforce and fair work – positive impacts as CPD can help support job satisfaction and inclusive recruitment as well as fairness of opportunity.
• Climate change / circular economy – positive impacts where CPD is undertaken on these topics.
• Competition assessment – no identified negative impacts.

Option 2: Do not set up a CPD system for specific occupational groups within agriculture and crofting with a framework to undertake CPD and participate in a range of CPD activities.

• Quantified costs – no costs as CPD would not be undertaken.
• International competitiveness – no positive benefits as there is not investment in skills and knowledge.
• Benefits to businesses – no positive benefits as there would not be investment in employees and businesses.
• Small business impacts – no positive benefits as there would not be investment in employees and businesses.
• Investment – no positive benefits as there would not be investment in employees and businesses.
• Workforce and fair work – no positive benefits.
• Climate change / circular economy – no positive benefits.
• Competition assessment – no identified negative impacts.

Enforcement / compliance

The CPD system could include enforcement / compliance. As with other CPD systems, there would be administrative checks to ensure that any requirements have been met. There could also be exemptions to undertake CPD, including maternity leave, long-term sick absence and other specific circumstances.

Recommendations / implementation plans

The recommendation is Option 1: Set up a CPD system for specific occupational groups within agriculture and crofting with a framework to undertake CPD and participate in a range of CPD activities.

The CPD system could be implemented as part of Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme.

As noted, Scottish Ministers have not made any decisions on the CPD system.

Evaluation and monitoring of implementation / review of BRIA

The BRIA will be reviewed following a consultation with stakeholders on the CPD system. Findings will be included in a final BRIA. The CPD system, if introduced, would also be subject to monitoring and evaluation, including on-going monitoring and evaluation and also wider evaluation as part of the Agricultural Reform Programme.