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

Long term future

What is the future we hope to achieve

We want to see a Scotland where we do not add more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than we remove from it. A Scotland in which our natural environment is central to our identity as a nation, fundamental to our health, our quality of life and our economy, and where nature is resilient and abundant. This does not mean that any one part of Scotland or any one sector must achieve this in isolation or is solely responsible for this; this is about the country coming together to find a balance.

This is why we must be clear that achieving our ambitious targets for a net-zero, nature positive Scotland, as well as playing our part globally, will be challenging. The transformative changes required will need a collective effort with all corners of society playing their part, including governments, businesses, organisations, communities, and households. It is why, through this journey, we will work together to empower individuals, communities and businesses alike.

Where does the LAJTP fit in?

The LAJTP will describe the actions that the Scottish Government will take to begin to deliver the outcomes of a Just Transition, and how the process to design those actions will be undertaken in partnership with the land and agricultural sectors, and wider rural community. To do this, we need to agree a vision, a set of long-term outcomes, and shorter-term objectives to guide the work. This consultation asks for your feedback on these.

It does not look to duplicate the actions and targets set out in Scotland’s Climate Change Plan (which is responsible for setting the pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions), Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy or Climate Adaptation Plan. Instead, it will help integrate just transition into our activities and provide an understanding of how the people involved, impacted or benefiting from actions relating to land use and agriculture will be supported and empowered.

This will be an ongoing and evolving process. As we meet short term objectives, they will inform the next set of objectives for the next part of the journey. Between now and 2045 our journey will evolve and we will need to adapt, reflecting the progress our country has made and the key issues that still need to be addressed.

What is the Just Transition vision for land use and agriculture in 2045?

The Vision: People within the land use and agriculture sector and wider rural communities are flourishing. They have been supported and empowered; they continue to have access to knowledge, skills and opportunities. They have worked together to deliver improved and enduring benefits for their local communities, nature and climate whilst enhancing the wider wellbeing and prosperity of our nation.

Through this, Scotland is a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, has more forests and woodlands which are sustainably managed, healthy peatlands and better integrated land use plans and decisions.

Question 1

The draft vision provides me with an understanding of the ambition of a just transition for land use and agriculture. Do you:

• Strongly agree?
• Mostly agree?
• Mostly disagree?
• Strongly disagree?

Please give reasons for your answer.

How to achieve this vision

The 2045 long-term Just Transition outcomes

We know that no single action will get us to this vision. Achieving it will be like putting together a jigsaw, with no one person holding all the pieces. As part of the upcoming Plan, our intention is to set out a series of long-term outcomes aimed at steering our approach and bringing the 2045 vision into reality.

The outcomes are grouped into subheadings covering: jobs, skills and the economy; environment and adaptation; communities and place; and people and equity. They align with Scotland’s National Just Transition Outcomes, (which are explained in more detail in section 2 of the Technical Supporting Document).

Outcomes

Jobs, Skills and Economy

• Scotland’s food production sector is productive and sustainable. Changes have been well managed, and it continues to play a big part towards Scotland’s economy, our Good Food Nation ambitions and Scotland’s global reputation.
• Land use and agriculture is open and accessible to all, and more local employment has benefited rural Scotland.
• Barriers to the rural economy, including affordable accommodation, transport, digital infrastructure, and skills have been addressed.
• Land use, agriculture and related areas provide good green sustainable jobs and people have access to training, knowledge and advice, allowing them and our natural environment to prosper.
• Scotland’s sustainable tourism and natural capital sector is thriving, bringing investment and direct benefits to local communities.

Question 2

The outcomes for jobs, skills and economy provide an accurate description of what will be needed to achieve a just transition.

Do you:

• Strongly agree?
• Mostly agree?
• Mostly disagree?
• Strongly disagree?

Please give reasons for your answer.

Outcomes

Environment and Adaptation

• There is support for people to integrate nature-based solutions into their businesses, such as increased forest, woodland and hedgerow cover, peatland restoration, nature networks, and coastal ecosystem enhancements.
• Agriculture is sustainable and regenerative and contributes to our circular economy by reducing waste and pollution.
• Natural capital and nature-based solutions projects not only help meet climate change and biodiversity targets but deliver value and opportunities for local communities.

Question 3

The outcomes for environment and adaptation provide an accurate description of what will be needed to achieve a just transition. Do you:

• Strongly agree?
• Mostly agree?
• Mostly disagree?
• Strongly disagree?

Please give reasons for your answer.

Outcomes

Communities and Place

• Rural communities are revitalised through the growth of the green economy, including in food production, nature-based solutions and increased sustainable tourism.
• Rural communities have been recognised, valued and part of the transition, and have increased levels of participation in shaping how local resources and land are used.
• Rural communities can access high quality, affordable and accessible public services and facilities that positively enhance people’s lives.
• Community-led land management, community ownership and wealth-building ensure that wealth generated by Scotland’s natural assets is retained and redirected back into local communities.
• The transition to sustainable and regenerative agriculture has benefited our farmers, crofters, land managers and wider rural communities and supported the delivery of our Good Food Nation ambitions and Local Food strategies.

Question 4

The outcomes for communities and place provide an accurate description of what will be needed to achieve a just transition.

Do you:

• Strongly agree?
• Mostly agree?
• Mostly disagree?
• Strongly disagree?

Please give reasons for your answer.

Outcomes

People and Equity

• Farmers and crofters are supported throughout the transition to net zero. They are empowered to make decisions about their future, with their wellbeing and mental health supported throughout.
• The transition to net zero supports efforts to reduce rural poverty and inequality, including inequalities associated with land ownership and governance.
• Improved health and wellbeing through access to good quality green and blue spaces and good quality, affordable, healthy, sustainably sourced food.

Question 5

The outcomes for people and equity provide an accurate description of what will be needed to achieve a just transition.

Do you:

• Strongly agree?
• Mostly agree?
• Mostly disagree?
• Strongly disagree?

Please give reasons for your answer.