Farm for nature
Many farming practices, including the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, the clearance of natural vegetation, and overgrazing, make agriculture a major cause of the loss of Scotland’s wildlife.
But across Scotland, a growing number of farmers and crofters are managing their land with nature in mind. They are planting trees and hedgerows, altering grazing patterns, and leaving space for wildlife.
By restoring the natural environment, they are supporting the ecosystems on which farming depends.
Scotland needs a new funding system to enable all land managers to play their part in helping our nature recover and thrive.
Farm for the climate
Farming is the second biggest source of climate emissions in Scotland. In turn, if climate change goes unchecked it will greatly reduce the productivity of our farmland.
But many farmers and crofters are working to make agriculture part of the solution to the climate crisis. They are keeping their soil healthy, helping it to store carbon. They are avoiding synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, which are a major source of nitrous oxide emissions.
We need a funding system that helps all farmers combat climate change.
Farm for people
Farming has to work for farmers and crofters. At present, some benefit massively from government funding, while others lose out. We need a fair funding system that helps all agricultural businesses to thrive.
Farming also has to work for the whole of society. It has a crucial role to play in providing good quality, affordable food for Scotland’s people. We rely on farmers and crofters to look after our countryside for everyone to enjoy, and we need to help them restore the nature that is so important to our wellbeing.
Agriculture can also support a wide variety of businesses, large and small, which can create jobs and attract new people to rural communities, revitalising rural areas for the benefit of everyone.
Help make farming work for Scotland’s nature, climate and people by joining our campaign.
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Farm for Scotland's Future News
RSPB Scotland’s farming activity
Farming and crofting have a vital role to play in halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Scotland. In this blog Gabija Dragunaite, RSPB Scotland's Policy Assistant, and Andrew Midgley, Senior Land Use Policy Officer, emphasise this point by outlining some of the RSPB’s own farming activity.
An in-depth look at the potential of Scotland’s farm payments to help tackle the nature and climate crisis
We know agriculture is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland, and with around 80% of Scotland’s land classified as agricultural, the sector plays a key role in both halting biodiversity loss and meeting the country’s net zero targets. We also know many farmers want support to help achieve these goals.
Ask the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves to invest now in nature friendly farming
As the UK government's budget announcement draws close, RSPB Scotland director Anne McCall sets out why it's vital that Chancellor Rachel Reeves invests in nature friendly farming and ensures Scotland has the funds it needs.
Environmental charities urge government to incentivise farmers and crofters to do more for nature and the climate
A coalition of environmental charities are calling for the Scottish government to allocate the money in its new farm funding…
Farm for Scotland’s Future: what we achieved
A look at what our campaign achieved, what the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill means, and what still needs to change to help Scotland’s farmers and crofters to farm sustainably.