Information on future farming payments from
2025.
Further details about the actions farmers and crofters will have
to take to receive agricultural support payments from 2025 have
been unveiled. The new criteria for support will help farmers and
crofters meet more of our food needs sustainably, and farm and
croft while working to protect nature.
It is the latest update to the Agricultural Reform route map – a
guide to help farmers and crofters prepare for the gradual
transition to the new agricultural support framework which will
start in 2027.
As part of the move to the new framework, changes from 2025
include:
- a new calving interval of 410 days measured on an individual
animal basis added to the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme,
to help cut emissions intensity and make beef production more
efficient
- the introduction of the first Whole Farm Plan conditions
which require farmers and crofters to complete two baselining
activities from a list of options including carbon audits,
biodiversity audits, soil analysis, the creation of animal health
and welfare plans or integrated pest management plans
- new conditions for peatlands and wetlands under Good
Agricultural Environmental Conditions (GAEC) 6 of Cross
Compliance to help protect vital carbon stores
Rural Affairs Secretary said:
“As we have said for some time, support for farming in Scotland
is changing. From 2025, farmers and crofters will have to deliver
new things in return for basic payments. These changes will allow
us to continue to produce high quality food and to do so in a way
that helps us to tackle climate change and enhance nature.
“As we continue the transition to a new agricultural support
framework, we want to make sure that farmers and crofters know
exactly what they need to do to prepare for this change. Through
our Agricultural Reform route map, supported with extensive
engagement with the sector, we are making sure the sector is kept
informed of key updates to future support.
“It is clear that many farmers and crofters have already begun
this journey successfully. I would urge all farmers and crofters
to look at the available information, to ensure they are ready
for the changes to come.”
Background
Agricultural Reform Route
Map
Extensive guidance on each of the new changes will be available
in summer 2024.
