The Scottish government has tabled a new bill to change how farmers and rural communities receive support in Scotland.
The draft Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill would allow the Scottish government to form a new support framework and provide financial and other assistance.
The payments framework would incentivise low-carbon approaches to improve resilience, efficiency and probability in the sector.
If passed, minister will be required to prepare a five-year Rural Support Plan, detailing farming, forestry, and rural development support.
The legislation would also give ministers the power to change, extend or end Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) legislation as it applies in Scotland, and make changes to retained EU laws.
The bill would also allow the Scottish government to introduce training requirements for farmers and other workers. The regulation of animal identification is also updated.
An intention of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill is to give Scotland more power during the transition between new schemes and the CAP, which is managed and funded at EU level.
Commenting on the launch of the draft bill, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon said: “Our vision is for Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
“Introducing this new bill to parliament is a significant milestone in reforming the support systems that will empower Scotland’s farmers and crofters to cut climate emissions and restore nature, helping us achieve that vision.
“I understand that the sector needs flexibility now and in the future to respond to the pressures and challenges that we will face,” she added.
“As we move forward our bill will allow for adaptive support for farmers, crofters and land managers in the near, medium and long-term future.
“We will take the time necessary develop the detail of our policy with the people directly affected by it.”
The Scottish government is also launching a call today (Friday, September 29) asking the sector to participate in interviews, surveys, online and in-person workshops, over the coming months to help shape future support and how it is delivered.
