Farm for Scotland's Future

Herbal ley on Whitriggs Farm, The Scottish Borders

Farming is essential for Scotland’s future, but it’s also the second biggest source of greenhouse gases and a major reason for wildlife decline.

By introducing more nature and climate-friendly farming methods, we can cut emissions, protect wildlife, and continue producing food.

WWF Scotland’s vision is for a food system where nature thrives, emissions are reduced, and everyone has access to healthy, affordable food.

Learn more in WWF Scotland’s Vision for Agriculture.

Want to support nature-friendly farming and help bring our world back to life?

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Kirstin tending to salad leaves, Little Trochry, Scotland

Why Does Farming Matter?

Farmers and crofters are on the frontline of climate change, and they also hold the solution as managers of the land. Farming covers three-quarters of Scotland’s land, but current methods have a big impact on nature and the climate.

To reach climate targets, restore nature, and make sure we can keep farming strong in the future, the Scottish Government must change how it supports farmers.

Supporting nature-friendly farming will help farmers and crofters produce food while protecting nature, fighting climate change, and strengthening rural communities. That’s why we’re calling for fairer funding that works for climate, nature, and people.

Pied wagtail chick at Little Trochry farm, Scotland

Farming's Impact on the Environment

Farming makes up nearly a fifth of Scotland’s emissions, and some practices harm wildlife and pollute the environment. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

We need policies that support nature and climate-friendly farming. WWF Scotland believes funding should be fairer - helping farmers produce food sustainably while restoring nature and cutting emissions.

Voices of nature friendly farmers & crofters

Helen O’Keefe, Middleton Croft, Northwest Highlands

“Crofters work in high nature value areas with incredible ecosystems, but these ecosystems need managed grazing and active crofting otherwise the habitats will change and the keystone species that live here won’t survive.
Crofting is a really important part of the north and west of Scotland. However, these are difficult areas for agriculture and for crofting to thrive we need accessible funding to keep it viable.”
Kirstin Lamotte and Iain Broadhead, Little Trochry, Perthshire

“We’re very much at the early stages of our journey to regenerate and diversify the farm, bringing in more trees and fruit bushes, while improving the soil health. A big part of what we aim to do is to change people’s connection to food and farming.”
“Small farms like ours have a big part to play in improving biodiversity and helping tackle climate change, but we need support from decision makers to do it.”
Stuart Mitchell, Whitriggs Farm, The Scottish Borders

"Farmland birds, hare and wildlife are all here because of what we do. Fields like this behind me, you get chaffinches and little farmland birds. Down near the stream you get swallows, sand martins. There's not loads of them but there's buzzards, owls, kestrels. We've had a buzzard in the burn. There's tiny little fish.
When you start looking for it, it's everywhere."

Find out more

How You Can Help

Last year, with support from thousands of people, we pushed for a more ambitious Agriculture Act to shape the future of Scottish farming.

We teamed up with Scottish Environment LINK and farmers’ groups to urge the Scottish Government to fund farming in a fairer way which is fit for the future and supports a healthy environment.

Now, the Scottish Government is deciding the next steps for farming policy. The WWF team will be busy talking to politicians, farmers, and public bodies to make sure farming works better for climate, nature, and people.

Thank you for the action you’ve taken so far. The voices of WWF supporters will be key to making progress.

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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-UK

Paula, 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-UK

Sandra, 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-UK

Ann, 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-UK

Lauren, Dundee

“I want my children growing up in a Scotland that is producing its own food whilst supporting the natural biodiversity.”
© David Bebber / WWF-UK

Pippa, 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.”
© David Bebber / WWF-UK

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-UK

Nigel, 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-UK

Yvonne, 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.”