Support for responding to the Whole Farm Plan

Farmer-led groups have recommended the Whole Farm Plan to support farmers and crofters in taking a holistic view of their businesses.

By establishing your current performance and activities, farmers and crofters can identify opportunities for improvement and work towards greater productivity and profitability, positioning their business to contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate and nature targets.

If you are a farmer or crofter in Scotland and looking to receive Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments, you will have to demonstrate preparations for the Whole Farm Plan by 15 May 2025. You will need to start carrying out at least two plans or audits for your business, intended to review and baseline your current land and livestock management practices.

Options include:

• a carbon audit
• biodiversity audit
• soil analysis,
• animal health and welfare plan or
• an integrated pest management plan

In addition, farmers and crofters will have to demonstrate that they are considering appropriate actions and/or management changes personal to their business that can be implemented to ensure future agricultural activities are sustainable and deliver Scotland’s Vision for Agriculture.

Up to £5,860 of Government funding is available for one-to-one advice through the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) to help you increase the profitability and sustainability of your farming business. The FAS 'preparing for the future' page has a number of resources to help farmers and crofters respond and more information about the Scottish Government's Whole Farm Plan. 

Pic credit: Farm Advisory Service