Conferences focussed on achieving Net Zero highlight the scale of the challenge ahead for the sector but underline the role of collaboration, innovation and people.
After attending two conferences last month (September), NFU Scotland’s Senior Policy Manager Sarah Cowie and its Environment and Land Use Committee Chair, Peter Douglas call for the significant disconnect between policy development and grass roots farmers and crofters to be addressed and support for agricultural businesses to navigate the transition to be provided.
First up, Sarah and Peter joined the snappily titled EUFRAS IALB SEASN Conference at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, hosted by SRUC. It brought together agricultural advisory services from across the Europe to discuss the all-encompassing challenge of getting to net-zero. Central to the discussions were themes of innovation, the importance of people, and the need for effective policy adaptations to support farmers and rural communities.
Sarah writes: “One of the key takeaways from the conference was the potential for science and technology to drive adaptation in agriculture.
“Former NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller, co-chair of the ‘Farming for 1.5 Degrees’ inquiry, pointed out that the agricultural sector must aim beyond simply achieving net-zero emissions. It must also address the needs of rural communities, meet food production needs, and take steps to protect the environment.
“This means we need to take advantage of technology and innovation to optimise the use of our land, improve efficiency and deliver multiple outcomes.
“We also talked extensively about the importance of farming with nature, highlighting how agricultural practices and protecting biodiversity are inherently tied together.
“With climate change threatening both agricultural production and some species, we need to take a holistic approach to ensure that we are reducing our emissions, while at the same time producing food and providing for biodiversity.
“Another central element of the conference was the importance of people. We have a world-class science and research base here in Scotland, but we need people on the ground to translate these ideas into practical applications.
“As the industry grapples with challenges such as volatile markets and rising energy costs, there is a pressing need to attract new talent both within and outside agriculture. This requires a commitment to fostering skills that can drive innovation and adaptation across the sector.
“At the conference, Chloe McCulloch from SAC also called for a more active engagement from farmers in the advisory process, advocating for a shift from passive compliance to proactive participation. This change is essential to developing sustainable practices that not only enhance productivity but also protect the environment.
“But key problems persist. There is a significant disconnect between policy development and the realities faced by everyday farmers and crofters. Particularly those in the most marginal farming areas where there is continual cycle of decline.”
This was also the message at the Land Use for Net-Zero Hub Big Tent Event which was held in Edinburgh on Thursday 19 September. Again, Peter and Sarah attended to network and collaborate with people within agriculture but also the wider land use sector.
Peter writes: “It was invaluable to hear different perspectives and talk about the difficulties of communicating complex challenges.
“To get farmers and crofters where we need to be, we need to be backed by strong government support. Agricultural businesses are navigating a complex landscape of changing market drivers, scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and additional retailer and government requirements. We need to see support to help people with this transition.
“On the flipside, we would like to ensure farmers are seen as active participants in developing solutions to these problems, rather than being treated as passive recipients of policy and advice.
“Overall, these conferences highlighted the scale of the challenge we have ahead of us. But that the answers lie in collaboration, innovation and most importantly – people.
“By harnessing all of these things we can ensure the agricultural sector not only adapts to climate change, but builds a more resilient, efficient and profitable sector that thrives to 2050 and beyond.”