Scottish policy blogs

Blog

Read more from Soil Association Scotland on food and farming policy and what it means for Scotland.

• First minister's announcement on farm payments

  Will the 'transformation' promised in the government’s Vision for Agriculture be achieved?

• Review of the year 2024

  Read David McKay (our Scotland Co-Director)'s blog: Review of the year 2024.

• New legislation and changes to farm payments

  David McKay on the new Bills announced as part of the Programme for Government.

• Decisions ahead for a new parliamentary session

  The need for a shift towards incentivising and rewarding regenerative practices on farm.

• Finding signs for optimism in 2025

  A snapshot of the work that is going on in the sustainable food and farming space.

• Scottish Budget for 2025/26

  We need to support our farmers and crofters to continue to produce high quality food.

• The case for an Organic Action Plan

  The Scottish Government needs to follow through on its commitments to organic.

• Unlocking the potential of trees on farms

  Launch of a new policy report with Woodland Trust Scotland.

How nature-friendly farming is good for business

Hear from farmers who've worked with us on how agroecological farming has been good for profit as well as planet.

• Higher output with regenerative grazing

  At Barnside Farm, Charley and Andrea Walker are using rotational grazing and habitat management to farm with nature rather than fight against it.

• Integrating farming and forestry

  Gascoigne Farm, near Biggar in the Borders, explain how trees have improved their farm business

• Farming for wildlife and biodiversity

  Peelham Farm is striking a balance between agricultural productivity and increasing biodiversity

• "Nature-friendly farming is good for business"

  Bruce McConachie says nature shows him how well he's farming, which is good for the land and for the business.