Understanding what’s happening on the ground has never mattered more for farmers navigating climate pressures and economic realities. NFUS has been clear: measuring on-farm emissions, sequestration, and input efficiency is essential, but only if the data behind those measurements is accurate and trusted.
At the heart of the issue is confidence. Farmers need carbon calculators that genuinely reflect the realities of their businesses. It’s not enough for tools to produce figures; those figures must be grounded in reliable input data and generate outcomes that are practical, actionable, and financially viable. For NFUS, any recommended changes must support productive farming, not undermine it.
That’s why engagement with developers is ongoing. Myself, VP Robert Neil and NFUS members recently met with AgreCalc in March to address concerns raised by members. AgreCalc responded with detailed information addressing issues highlighted in a member survey conducted earlier this year and explained that though updating data and tool improvements can take time, they are undertaking that work now.
We also remain in close contact with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), which owns AgreCalc, pushing not only for improvements but also for sustained and increased funding. This was reinforced through evidence presented to the Scottish Parliament in January 2026 by both myself to the Rural Affairs Committee, and Jonnie Hall to the Education, Children and Young People Committee, underlining the importance of robust, trusted tools in delivering climate goals and the need for SRUC to be properly funded in order to deliver.
Looking ahead, NFUS is committed to keeping the pressure on. A follow-up meeting with AgreCalc is planned in approximately six months to review progress. In the meantime, we will continue working closely with AgreCalc and SRUC as well as other tool providers to ensure farmers’ voices directly shape future improvements.