Update to Agricultural Reform route map published

Cattle on the roadside in North Uist
Alan Robertson
Tuesday 25 June 2024 - 11:01

Yesterday (24 June) an updated version of the Agricultural Reform route map was published to include the expectation that existing systems will be used to deliver support in 2025-2027. 

This means that the way famers and crofters apply for and claim support and the current timetable for submission and payments is expected to continue over the next three years.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands said:

"This edition of the Agricultural Reform Route Map shows the changes recipients of agricultural support will be expected to make in 2025 and what to expect in 2026. It includes information on important dates when current schemes will transition or end, the support available, and how to prepare for these first changes from 2025.

The changes are gradual – I promised no cliff edges, and there will be none. While direct payments will continue, some of the changes mean doing more in return for that support."

The Scottish Government will engage with stakeholders over the summer to get feedback on proposals for sub outcomes and how these will be measured. 

Some of the specific changes include: 

Basic Payment Scheme

Basic Payment Scheme will remain in place in 2025, 2026 and 2027 providing base level direct payments. The existing eligibility requirements and scheme rules will be built upon to deliver against the Scottish Government vision for agriculture.

Greening

Greening will continue in 2026 with new requirements. These new requirements will form part of the enhanced tier of the future framework.

This means that farmers and crofters will be expected to start doing enhanced activities using the existing greening claim process on the Single Application Form.   

The existing eligibility requirements and scheme rules will be built upon to deliver further outcomes for nature and climate improvement. Rewarding both new activity and existing good practice.  

Scottish Government will be working with farmers and crofters on the specific changes as part of its commitment to co-designing the framework.

Programme Outcomes

The Route map has also been updated to reflect the latest version of the programme outcomes, which were agreed by Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands earlier this month. 

  • High Quality Food Production - The primary food production sector is a productive sector of the economy and ensures we meet more of our own food needs more sustainably. 
  • Thriving Agricultural Businesses - Profitable and resilient agricultural businesses support local livelihoods, supply chains and the wider rural economy.  
  • Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation - Greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector are reduced in line with the CCP envelope, and the ability to adapt to climate change is increased.
  • Nature Restoration - There will be substantial regeneration in, and maintenance of, biodiversity, ecosystem, and soil health on agricultural land  
  • Support for a Just Transition 

Access the link for the: Agricultural Reform route map

Other relevant links