Rural Support Plan (RSP) - Annex
The Rural Support Plan as required in terms of s2 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 outlining the expected use by Scottish Ministers during the plan period of the powers conferred on them by s6 of the Act - support within the four tier framework
Tier 1 – Base
What will it do?
Tier one will provide direct payments to support active farming
What will it achieve?
Tier One is an investment in agricultural businesses to support high quality food production and thriving agricultural businesses. Tier One will primarily contribute to the following strategic outcomes:
Tier 1 principal strategic outcomes:
- High Quality Food Production
- Enabling Thriving Rural Communities
In addition, Tier One requires farmers and crofters to take steps to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation and nature restoration. Tier One is therefore expected to support progress towards these outcomes. Tier One will also contribute to the following supporting outcomes:
Tier 1 supporting strategic outcomes:
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Nature Restoration
- Support for a Just Transition
It should be noted that principal and supporting outcomes are both important and this distinction reflects how resources are allocated within each Tier. These strategic outcomes will be used as the basis for the monitoring and evaluation of Tier One and its associated schemes against the objectives set out in the ARC Act.
What has changed?
We will start off using the current Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and add new conditions over time. Changes already introduced are: -
- Whole Farm Plan – requirement to complete 2 of 5 audit/plans
- Cross Compliance – protections for peatlands and wetlands
- Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme –new calving interval
Contact
Email: CAP.SRDP.Policy@gov.scot