NFU Scotland to host webinar on Farming For 1.5°C Inquiry Report on Tuesday 23 February at 6pm
Farmers and crofters must take a ‘transformation pathway’ to ensure that Scottish agriculture meets the challenge of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Tomorrow evening (23 February at 6pm), NFU Scotland is hosting a webinar involving the co-chairs of the independent inquiry, Farming for 1.5°C, Mike Robinson (CEO of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society) and former NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller. NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy will chair.

The event can be joined by going to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PsrH7xVaRqOlXUNmeiS0ag
The Inquiry aims to find consensus on the best way forward for Scottish agriculture to play its part in limiting global warming to 1.5°C. It is innovative in its make-up which includes farmers, scientists, activists and environmental NGOs.
The inquiry’s interim report, published in November 2020, recognised that farming uniquely can improve its own performance by reducing emissions from agricultural activity, and impact positively on wider societal emissions through good soil and land management, by locking up carbon in trees and soil, and by supporting ecosystems.
It states that without the engagement of the agricultural community, with its ability to absorb emissions and not just cut them, it will be impossible for Scotland to deliver against its targets. This engagement must have political and financial recognition.
The interim report, entitled ‘A Transformational Pathway’ includes 15 key recommendations available to read at: https://www.farming1point5.org/reports
NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said: “The Farming for 1.5 °C independent inquiry, which draws on experience from a wide scientific, environmental, food and farming base, has mapped out a pathway for transformation that is underpinned by science and supported by a huge range of practical knowledge and expertise.
“The report sets out principles that all sectors of Scottish agriculture need to adopt immediately to improve agricultural and carbon efficiency, better manage our soils, and develop a new approach to sharing knowledge and technical support.
“Importantly, it also acknowledges the role of Scottish Government in funding this transformation over a sustained period if we are to achieve our ambitious national climate change targets and reverse biodiversity loss.
“The industry must be supported, guided by policy, and equipped with science-led advice if we are to reduce emissions while continuing to produce high quality food and drink. This Inquiry will be hugely influential in setting that policy direction as its recommendations dovetail with the Scottish Government’s recently created climate change sector groups.
“I urge all to sign up for this webinar for an insight into the transformational journey ahead of our sector.”
Notes for Editors
- The Farming for 1.5°C Inquiry, jointly sponsored by NFU Scotland and Nourish Scotland, is innovative in its make-up of farmers, scientists, activists and environmental NGOs. Its interim report recommended how Scottish agriculture can become the champions of the fight against climate change. A copy of the interim report is available at: https://www.farming1point5.org/reports
- A photograph of the Farming for 1.5°C Inquiry Co-chairs Mike Robinson and Nigel Miller speaking with Martin Kennedy at the 2020 NFU Scotland conference is attached.
- Media are invites to join the event on Tuesday 23 February at 6pm here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PsrH7xVaRqOlXUNmeiS0ag
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006