Why farming is so important
Why farming is so important
Farming is Scotland’s second biggest source of greenhouse gases and emissions are rising. Business as usual is no longer an option.
With the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill currently making its way through Parliament, we have a once in a generation opportunity to shape how we support farming in the future.
Nature-friendly farming is an opportunity to support Scottish farmers and crofters to produce sustainable food, restore nature, tackle climate change, and help rural communities thrive. That is why we are calling for a transition to a fairer funding system that delivers for climate, nature and people. To find out more, see WWF Scotland’s Vision for Agriculture.
Views from across Scotland
During our campaign, we’ve heard from supporters all over the country. Here is a handful of the powerful messages we have received so far, voicing a hope for change.
-
© David Bebber / WWF-UKPaula, South Lanarkshire
“Agriculture is deeply important to both the Scottish economy and to Scottish history, as well as being a forefront employer for rural Scots. For this to continue, it has to become more efficient and more sustainable. We have the know how – we just need to implement it.”
-
© David Bebber/ WWF-UKSandra, Edinburgh
“The majority of farmers want to do the right thing for nature and the climate but currently the system they work under doesn’t support them. This needs to change...They need proper support and funding to change some of their current practices.”
-
© David Bebber / WWF-UKAnn, Angus
“I live in a strongly agricultural area in Scotland and see on a daily basis how nature is marginalised in agricultural practices. I regularly watch soils blowing off fields, floods carrying soil away and lament the lack of wild areas in the landscape.”
-
© David Bebber / WWF-UKLauren, Dundee
“I want my children growing up in a Scotland that is producing its own food whilst supporting the natural biodiversity.”
-
© David Bebber / WWF-UKPippa, North Ayrshire
“We owe it to our children's future to become more sustainable and support regenerative agriculture to rebuild soil, reduce carbon emissions and help a positive future.”
-
Mary, Dumfries and Galloway
“I work in sustainable agriculture and know how important it is for the future of our planet and the future of farming, the health and wellbeing of our nation and the future of our economy.”
-
© David Bebber / WWF-UKNigel, Fife
“I care about Scotland's farming because I want to live in a country where there is a great variety of local produce sold in the shops and supermarkets, and because farmed land covers such a large area of Scotland that it has a very significant effect on wildlife and ecosystems.”
-
© David Bebber / WWF-UKYvonne, North Lanarkshire
“I love our beautiful country and want to secure a long-term future for Scotland and for our children and generations to come. Farming can play a huge part either in destroying our ecosystem or to work in harmony with nature and create a thriving sustainable habitat.”
/
What happens now?
What happens now?
With over 2,500 signatures and close to 1,000 messages we have been able to show MSPs voting on the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill and Scottish Government decision makers that there is strong public support for changing how we support Scottish agriculture.
The Bill is still making its way through Scottish Government, and in March the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee published their report. Now, we and others are pushing for amendments to the Bill, hoping to influence the final legislation.
We will continue to rely on your support to make a case for bolder and more ambitious agricultural policy, as the Bill continues through Parliament.
You can learn more about what WWF Scotland does on agriculture and land use policy here and follow us on social media.