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

Ministerial foreword

Between now and 2045, Scotland needs to transition. It needs to reduce its emissions to a minimum, increase the level of carbon removed from the atmosphere, address biodiversity loss and enhance nature restoration and protection. Our land use and agricultural sectors will play a fundamental part in achieving this.

The scale and level of this transformation should not be underestimated. As we make the transition, the Scottish Government is determined that our country will seize those opportunities and meet those challenges in a way that is fair and just.

This means making sure that the costs and benefits of the transition, including the benefits of new economic opportunities, are shared fairly. It also means making sure that, as our country transitions to net zero and adapts to a changing climate, no one is left behind.

These are ambitious aims, and we know that achieving them will require policy to evolve as we make our way towards 2045. We also know that a just transition will involve concerted and collaborative action from individuals, communities, the public and private sector across Scotland.

This is reflected in our approach to this consultation. The upcoming Land use and Agriculture Just Transition Plan cannot address all the challenges we will face between now and 2045 – no document could – and as the transition progresses, we will need to continue to work in this flexible and innovative way.

However, at this point in time we can reflect on where we are now and how we are beginning this transitional journey. Throughout our engagement up until now, we have sought to identify the key opportunities and challenges facing people who live on and work with Scotland’s land. Through this consultation we are seeking to solidify our understanding of this. We are also seeking your thoughts on our long-term direction and ambitions through the 2045 vision and outcomes, as well as highlighting some of the important work that is already taking place.

Crucially, our approach must continue to be developed and delivered in partnership with those most likely to be affected by the transformation. A commitment to engagement, empowerment and co-development is at the very heart of our planning for a just transition. The Scottish Government understands how important this is to ensure that our country makes the right decisions.

For all these reasons, we would like as many people as possible to take the time to read this document and contribute their views, and we would like to thank you in advance for doing so.

Mairi Gougeon MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

Gillian Martin MSP

Cabinet Secretary for

Climate Action and Energy

How this document is structured and what to expect

To make this consultation as accessible as possible, we have combined the consultation paper and sections of the working framework for a Land use and Agriculture Just Transition Plan (LAJTP) into one document, allowing you to comment on each section before moving on to the next.

Please note, the purpose of this document is not to set out new, standalone policies or pre-empt any ongoing policy development and processes. Instead, it seeks your feedback on the draft just transition vision, and the proposed outcomes and objectives that would support the journey to this vision.

The introductory section explains what a just transition ‘is’ and ‘isn’t’, why having one is important, and the role that land use and agriculture plays in Scotland. Section 2 discusses what the long-term future we are working towards might look like, and the outcomes that can take us there. In section 3 we outline what we have heard so far and how we can use that insight to begin our journey. Section 4 looks to address the opportunities and challenges of monitoring and evaluation, and section 5 asks about evidence to help assess the impacts and benefits of a just transition.

Question

Whenever you see a box like this one, it is an opportunity for you to provide us with your thoughts on that section. Please use the digital consultation platform to record these.