Less Favoured Areas account for 85% of Scotland’s land, underpins the Scotland’s iconic red meat production, in fact 78.7% of Scotland’s beef cows and 90% of sheep are on LFA holdings, generating approximately £706 million to the output of Scottish Agriculture while delivering on public goods.
The value of extensive production systems, and their products, is generally not sufficiently rewarded by the market to render them economically viable without financial support. It’s important to illustrate how LFA units align on delivering the Scottish Government’s Vision for Agriculture for a framework which delivers high quality food production, climate mitigation and adaptation and nature restoration while maintaining thriving rural and island communities.
The Scottish Government is committed to continuing the current disadvantaged support scheme, LFASS, until 2026 with the possible introduction of conditionality measures from 2025 onwards before transitioning to a new support framework. How this type of support will be delivered from 2027 is still up for debate and decision. Our LFA Committee continue to discuss the future of support with the focus of underlining the importance of active farming and crofting to Scotland’s rural communities, food production and climate