Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture: consultation analysis report

4. Beginning the journey

The short-term objectives

Q6: Education is a priority area that needs to be addressed to begin a just transition for land use and agriculture. Do you:

29 respondents provided reasons for their answer:

Importance of education for cultural change

Respondents emphasised that education is essential to shift cultural attitudes and foster understanding of the land, food systems, and sustainability. Education must help people reconnect with nature and appreciate Scotland's environmental heritage and agricultural practices. It is also necessary to promote greater understanding between urban and rural populations.

Integration across educational levels

There was strong support for embedding land-based education across all levels, from primary schools to universities. Outdoor learning, environmental literacy, and interdisciplinary approaches were seen as vital to preparing future generations for sustainable land stewardship.

Practical and peer-to-peer learning

Stakeholders advocated for hands-on, locally relevant education, including apprenticeships, vocational training, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. These approaches were seen as effective in empowering farmers and crofters to adopt regenerative practices and build community resilience.

Support for career pathways and skills development

Recognising education must address skills gaps and labour shortages in land-based sectors, respondents called for targeted investment in training for agroecology, organic farming, horticulture, peatland restoration, and nature-based solutions. Training for renewable energy technologies was highlighted. Support for career changers and underrepresented groups was also emphasised.

Role of further and higher education institutions

Respondents highlighted the need for universities and colleges to revise curricula to reflect green farming methods and integrated land use. Partnerships with local communities and industry were seen as key to delivering relevant and impactful education.

Accessibility and equity in education

It was pointed out that education must be accessible in various formats and locations, especially in rural and island communities, and that we should be mindful of the knowledge that already exists.

“The Scottish Government has a real opportunity to capitalise on the wealth of knowledge and education already available within current communities.”

Cost should not be a barrier, and support should be tailored to different learning styles and needs.

Public awareness and consumer education

Raising public awareness about the origin of food, environmental impact, and sustainable choices was seen as essential, with respondents highlighting the need for education that empowers consumers to support local, sustainable agriculture and understand their role in the transition.

Systemic and strategic alignment

Respondents urged for education strategies to align with broader policy frameworks such as the Land Use Strategy, Nature-based Jobs and Skills Action Plan, and the Agricultural Reform Programme. Education must be part of a coordinated effort to deliver a just transition.

“The focus appears to be on the education and training requirements to get to net zero, but the educational requirements associated with the Just Transition are wider.”

Q7: Local focus is a priority area that needs to be addressed to begin a just transition for land use and agriculture. Do you:

27 respondents provided reasons for their answer:

Importance of localised approaches

Respondents strongly supported a locally focused approach to land use and agriculture, recognising the diversity of Scotland's landscapes, communities, and farming systems. A just transition must reflect regional variation and empower communities to shape their futures.

“The communities who live and work the land have a strong connection to it and unique understanding of it.”

Community empowerment and decision-making

There was a clear call for meaningful community involvement in land use decisions. Respondents emphasised the need for co-development, not just consultation, and for devolving decision-making powers to local levels. It was recognised that meaningful local decision-making required representative local data, (rather than ‘national averages’).

Support for local economies and infrastructure

Investment in local food systems, abattoirs, processing hubs, and producer networks was seen as essential to retain value in communities and support fair incomes. Public procurement and community wealth building were highlighted as key tools.

Recognition of cultural and historic assets

The historic environment was identified as central to local identity and place-making. Respondents advocated for its inclusion in land use planning and for support in managing cultural landscapes.

Addressing structural barriers

Concerns were raised about concentrated land ownership, lack of affordable housing, and rural depopulation. Respondents called for reforms to ensure equitable access to land and resources, and to support community-led land stewardship:

“Support for community land stewardship should include both technical assistance and financial resources, enabling communities to manage land and assets sustainably in the long term.”

Integration with planning and policy frameworks

Respondents urged better alignment with spatial planning tools such as Local Development Plans and Regional Land Use Partnerships. The need for SMART objectives and clearer links to national strategies was emphasised.

Capacity building and local expertise

Support for local facilitators and organisations was seen as vital to connect communities with training, funding, and advisory services. Respondents highlighted the need to build capacity within local authorities and community groups, but also recognised skilled people already lived in rural spaces or would return or move if land and housing was available.

Balancing local and national priorities

While local focus was widely supported, respondents noted the need to balance local aspirations with national climate and biodiversity goals. Mechanisms for democratic negotiation between local and national interests were recommended.

Q8: Collaboration and innovation are priority areas that need to be addressed to begin a just transition for land use and agriculture. Do you:

25 respondents provided reasons for their answer:

Importance of collaborative approaches

Respondents widely agreed that collaboration is essential to achieving a just transition.

“Producers, communities, researchers, and policymakers must be supported to work together and share ideas, knowledge, and practical solutions.”

This includes vertical collaboration across supply chains and horizontal collaboration among farmers, crofters, and communities at the landscape level. It was suggested effective collaboration must be inclusive, transparent, and supported by facilitation and funding.

Peer-to-peer learning and farmer-led initiatives

Examples such as Net Zero Arran and Sustainable Sheep Systems were seen to highlight the value of peer-to-peer collaboration. These initiatives promote carbon auditing, soil health, and low-input grazing, demonstrating how farmers can lead change through shared learning and community engagement.

Innovation beyond technology

Innovation was interpreted broadly, not just as technological advancement but also as new practices, crop diversification, and economic models, (including new routes to market). Respondents emphasised the need for decentralised crop processing, support for agroecology, and better subsidy systems to enable innovation at all scales.

Role of facilitators and infrastructure

There was a view that effective collaboration requires investment in facilitators who can coordinate partnerships and connect stakeholders with training, advisory services, and funding. Infrastructure such as local food hubs, abattoirs, and machinery rings were seen as critical to enabling collaborative innovation.

Inclusive governance and regional partnerships

Respondents called for inclusive governance models and regional partnerships to align national priorities with local delivery. Collaboration must extend to government departments, local authorities, and statutory bodies to ensure coherent and integrated action.

“A transition is only just if everyone - businesses, government, communities – are united in the mutual benefits to bring forward effective solutions.”

Community-led innovation and resilience

Community woodlands, crofting townships, and local enterprises were cited as examples of grassroots innovation. These initiatives contribute to resilience, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship, and should be supported through targeted investment and policy alignment.

Risks and systemic barriers

Concerns were raised about over-emphasising individual and community responsibility without addressing systemic barriers such as concentrated land ownership, imbalances in market power and fragmented policy and funding frameworks. Respondents urged the government to tackle these barriers to enable meaningful collaboration and innovation, and to act now rather than rely on future innovations to provide the solutions.

Q9: Equity, value and respect are priority areas that need to be addressed to begin a just transition for land use and agriculture. Do you:

27 respondents provided reasons for their answer:

Centrality of equity to Just Transition

Respondents consistently emphasised that equity must be at the heart of a just transition. This includes fair access to land, funding, and support for all land managers, particularly small-scale farmers, crofters, tenants, and new entrants. Structural inequalities in land ownership and subsidy distribution were identified as key barriers to equity.

Recognition and respect for land managers

Respect for the knowledge, labour, and contributions of farmers, crofters, and land managers was seen as essential. Respondents called for policies that value their environmental stewardship, food production, and role in sustaining rural communities. Many felt that current narratives and support structures fail to adequately recognise their efforts.

“Some actions that land managers are asked to implement, such as natural flood management, do not always produce benefits for those who incur the costs… In such cases it is important that sufficient incentives exist to encourage and compensate those that produce public benefits.”

Inclusive support mechanisms

Respondents felt support must be inclusive and tailored to diverse needs. This includes removing barriers such as the 3-hectare minimum threshold for subsidies, providing redistributive payments, and ensuring access to training, advisory services, and infrastructure. Equity also involves recognising the contributions of migrant workers and seasonal labourers.

Wellbeing and mental health

Mental health and wellbeing of rural workers were highlighted as critical concerns. Isolation, economic pressures, and policy uncertainty contribute to stress, particularly in sectors like livestock farming. Respondents stressed the urgent need for support systems that address these challenges and promote resilience.

Community empowerment and wealth building

Community-led land management and planning were seen as vital to ensuring the benefits of land use change are shared fairly. Respondents advocated for place-based approaches that reflect local culture, heritage, and aspirations, and for investment in community infrastructure and capacity.

“Supporting place-based planning and community land management helps to deliver equity by enabling more people to influence decisions about the future of their places.”

Transparency and monitoring

There was a call for transparent metrics to monitor equity and inclusion. Respondents stressed the need for SMART indicators to track who benefits from the transition, how support is distributed, and whether outcomes are being achieved fairly.

Policy coherence and systemic reform

Respondents urged the Scottish Government to align the Just Transition Plan with broader frameworks such as the Land Use Strategy and National Just Transition Outcomes. They argued that achieving equity requires systemic reform, including changes to subsidy systems, land governance, and market structures.

Q10: Communication is a priority area that needs to be addressed to begin a just transition for land use and agriculture. Do you:

25 respondents provided reasons for their answer:

Importance of clear and accessible communication

Respondents consistently emphasised the need for clear, timely, and accessible communication from government and policy makers. Many noted that current messaging is fragmented, overly technical, or disconnected from rural realities, leading to confusion and mistrust. It was suggested that actions on the ground are the clearest form of messaging. The Government should also:

“…set out clearly the risks of not taking action and the potential benefits and opportunities of doing so.”

Two-way engagement and trust building

Effective communication must be two-way, allowing farmers, crofters, and communities to voice concerns and influence policy. Respondents called for feedback mechanisms, regional engagement hubs, and liaison officers to facilitate dialogue and build trust. They also suggested land managers need clarity, not just on ‘what’ was expected of them but ‘why’ and ‘how’ they could meaningfully engage with the process.

Role of peer-to-peer networks and local channels

Peer-led initiatives and local communication channels were highlighted as effective tools for sharing knowledge and encouraging uptake of sustainable practices. Examples like the Integrating Trees Network demonstrate how trusted networks can support nature-based solutions.

Inclusive and tailored messaging

It was suggested communication strategies must reflect the diversity of Scotland's rural communities. Language should be simple and consistent, and materials should be adapted to different learning styles and accessibility needs, including creative formats for those with dyslexia.

Transparency and policy coherence

Respondents stressed the need for transparency in policy changes, particularly around subsidies and land use regulations. Mixed messages from different agencies were cited as a barrier to effective implementation and trust. For communication to be effective, policy needs to be coherent and integrated.

Reconnecting urban and rural Scotland

It was felt there was a need for stronger messaging to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. Public understanding of food systems, land stewardship, and the role of agriculture in climate resilience must be improved to foster collective responsibility.

Q11: Are there other short-term objectives that should be considered in order to begin a just transition in land use and agriculture?

29 respondents provided additional information:

Land reform and access

Respondents strongly advocated for bold land reform to address concentrated ownership and improve access for new entrants, smallholders, and communities. Suggestions included removing barriers to land access, increasing community ownership, and reforming subsidy systems to prioritise equity.

Local food systems and procurement

There was widespread support for strengthening local food systems through farm-to-fork initiatives, public procurement policies favouring Scottish produce, and investment in market gardens and small-scale producers. These measures were seen as essential for food security, climate resilience, and rural economic development.

Education, research and skills development

Education was identified as a foundational priority, with calls for interdisciplinary land-based learning, peer-to-peer training, and curriculum reform. Respondents also emphasised the need for research to inform policy and anticipate the impacts of transition, particularly on vulnerable communities.

Infrastructure and supply chains

Investment in infrastructure such as local abattoirs, processing facilities, and transport networks was seen as critical to enabling sustainable land use and economic resilience. Respondents highlighted the need for coordinated funding and strategic planning to support these developments.

“Too often uncoordinated allocation of funds cuts across and undermines other areas of policy. Specifically, we believe a strategic conversation between government, lenders, philanthropic funders and private finance would help to use resources most effectively and aid the transition.”

Climate and biodiversity action

Urgent action on climate adaptation and biodiversity restoration was recommended, including support for nature-based solutions, peatland restoration, and agroecological practices. Respondents stressed the importance of integrating these goals into short-term objectives.

Governance and policy coherence

Calls were made for clearer alignment between the Land Use Strategy, Just Transition Plans, and other national frameworks. Respondents stressed the need for SMART objectives, transparent monitoring, and inclusive governance to ensure accountability and coherence. There was also concern that the current, very broad objectives would be open to different interpretations which would in turn impact actions.

Economic equity and fair work

Respondents emphasised the need for redistributive payments, fair incomes, and support for small farms and crofts. Worker rights, union representation, and protections for migrant labour were also highlighted as essential components of a just transition.

Community empowerment and participation

Community-led land management and decision-making were seen as vital to ensuring that benefits are shared fairly. Respondents called for increased funding for community projects and mechanisms to support meaningful participation.