The Scottish government has rejected the controversial recommendations by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and pledged to pursue a climate strategy that works rather than rural areas, rather than against.
Last month, the CCC advised the UK and delegated government on emission reductions, suggesting a 27% reduction in Scottish livestock populations by 2040 as part of the country’s net zero pathway.
This recommendation was met with alarms from the agricultural sector. This has long argued that well-managed livestock systems can play a key role in tackling climate change.
This week’s Royal Highland Show, the celebration was temporarily covered by concerns that CCC advice could guide policies in alienating farmers.
But speaking at the quality Meat Scottish breakfast event at the show, rural Chief Mairi Gujong moved to reassure the sector.
“Let me be absolutely clear. This government has no policies and no policies to reduce the number of livestock,” she said.
Refusals have been welcomed by agricultural leaders who continue to seek policies that recognize the role of grazing in sustainable pasture-based food systems.
NFU Scotland urged the minister to oppose the CCC proposal and instead committed to a more holistic approach to supporting climate action without sacrificing the reality of food production or Scottish land use.
The response revealed that new greenhouse gas figures revealed that Scotland’s agriculture had already reduced emissions by 13.6% since 1990, making progress formulating without reducing production.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to our customers,” said Duncan McAllister, Vice President of NFU Scotland. “Farmers are already reducing emissions and increasing efficiency. Rather than reducing production, they improve how they produce food.
“It’s about zero-zero, not zero. Grazing livestock is part of the solution and not the problem, especially when it’s managed well in a pasture-based system like ours.
“The government needs to be clear now. How will future support reflect that reality and where will livestock fit into the future of climate-smart agriculture?”
Earlier this week, NFU Scotland met with the CCC to discuss how agriculture can contribute to climate goals without compromising food production, biodiversity, or rural livelihoods.
The union has since asked the Scottish government to clarify its long-term plan for the agricultural sector.
He urged the Minister to establish a clear policy framework that recognizes the essential role of livestock in Scotland’s land use and food system.
They also ask that future agricultural support schemes be designed in a way that allows for low-emission production, rather than punishing farmers to produce food.
Additionally, NFU Scotland warned against policy orientations that could undermine national food security or destabilise rural communities.
