A fairer payment system for farmers and crofters in Scotland (Webinar)
Join us to hear from farmer- and crofter-led organisations calling for redistributive payments to support small-scale agriculture
Wednesday 28 June, 7.30–8.30pm (online)
As the upcoming Agriculture Bill process moves forward in the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Agroecology Action Group is calling for a fairer agriculture payment system that works for farmers and crofters of all sizes across Scotland.
As it stands, agricultural payments are given out per hectare of land farmed, essentially using public money to reward people for owning large amounts of land. The wealthiest 10% of farms receive more than half the agricultural budget, while small and medium farms and crofts receive little to no government support, despite providing wide-ranging benefits for the environment and for local communities.
We urgently need a payment system which is not based on land access metrics and, instead, properly values and rewards all sizes of farmers and crofters for the essential role they play in the transition to climate-friendly agriculture; and the development of a local, sustainable food system in Scotland, in line with the Good Food Nation bill and the Local Food Strategy.
Join us online to hear from Scottish farmers and crofters about the impact that the current payment system has on their daily operations and livelihoods; and to learn from European experts about how the EU has worked on transitioning to a payment system which aims to create a fairer agricultural sector. You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions!
FREE and open to crofters, farmers and land managers. Booking is required.
Book online
The Scottish Agroecology Action Group (SAAG) is a new alliance of organisations focused on a just transition to agroecological farming and land use in Scotland. The group includes the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Scottish Crofting Federation, Landworkers Alliance, Pasture for Life, Propagate and Soil Association Scotland and agrees that an agroecological approach to farming and crofting can support the delivery of Scottish Government objectives on climate change mitigation, nature restoration, and high-quality food production.
