Changes to Scotland’s Climate Change Targets must drive the focus to 'how' and not 'when'.
NFU Scotland Vice President Alasdair Macnab said: “We welcome the change in direction on Scottish Government climate policy targets and the focus on a pathway and strategy to 2045. NFU Scotland has always said that the real goal is net zero, not zero emissions. We now need to focus exclusively on net zero but not necessarily be legally bound by deadlines. The emphasis must shift to ‘how’ rather than being a hostage to ‘when’.
“We know that Scottish farmers and crofters, if appropriately equipped and empowered with the right tools and support, will play a key role in meeting net zero targets. Along with all other sectors, Scottish agriculture is already adapting to changing circumstances around climate change, the opportunities and threats it presents, and building the resilience required to continue to deliver high quality agricultural production, whilst ensuring that we play our part on mitigation and adaptation.
“Policy and practice around tackling climate change on farms and crofts has, to date, largely focused on reducing emissions and mitigation and not net zero. We note the planned introduction of mandatory carbon audits and nutrient management plans by 2028, all of which will be discussed with in full our members. On the proposed methane-inhibitor animal feed pilot, we welcome further research and development specifically in Scotland to examine the possible role it may have on livestock farms, and we urge Scottish Government to continue to consider and reward any on-farm efficiency measures which both reduce emissions and improve profitability at a farm or croft level.
“Scottish Government must also look to science to ensure that the current over-emphasis on emissions and a lack of emphasis on sequestration is addressed. It is in everyone’s interests that the right tools are adopted that more accurately calculate all the facts around sequestration and emissions at a grassroots level as part of our journey to net zero.
“We’ve been highlighting the need for the Scottish Government to also focus on adaptation and welcome the current consultation on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan. We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and others to ensure farming and crofting are enabled to adapt to a changing climate and play their unique role in tackling climate change.” Ends