Farming for a better climate

Eight new climate change focus farms are being launched thanks to £100,000 funding from the Scottish Government. Farm Minister Richard Lochhead this week pledged the funding towards the next round of the Farming for a Better Climate initiative.

Launched in 2010 and administered by Scotland’s Rural College – SRUC – the scheme aims to develop climate-friendly farming methods to help farmers save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

“Our climate is changing and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to do what we can to mitigate its negative impact,” said Mr Lochhead.

“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to tackling climate change and lowering overall emissions in Scotland, of which approximately a fifth is from our agriculture industry.”

He said he hoped the funds would help farmers adapt their businesses to Scotland’s changing climate.

“The wetter weather we have experienced in recent years means better soil management and drainage is a must for Scottish farms,” added Mr Lochhead.

“This funding will enable Scotland’s Rural College to offer more soil management and drainage demonstration events, which have been heavily oversubscribed.”

The number of focus farms will double from four to eight, with local farmers invited to work with the host farmers to identify efficiencies best suited to their area or type of enterprise.

The host farms identified so far are at Newmilns in Ayrshire, Mintlaw in Aberdeenshire, Glenurquhart in Invernes-sshire, Muir of Ord in Ross-shire and Brora in Sutherland.

Each group will be assisted by a facilitator from the SAC Consulting arm of SRUC, and farmers will be offered practical advice on adapting to Scotland’s changing climate through better soil management and field drainage.

SRUC estimates the first three climate change focus farms saved almost £60,000 between them last year, with two of the businesses reducing their carbon footprint by at least 10%.

New climate change focus farmer John Kerr, who farms at Woodhead in Newmilns, Ayrshire, said he hoped the initiative would help him reduce costs, improve output and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The plan at Woodhead is to look at ways to increase the yield of the herd without compromising milk solids,” he said.

“We are also very interested in looking at renewable energy opportunities as we look to reduce costs and develop new income streams into the business.”