Farmers unite to launch Nature Friendly Farming Network in Scotland

Amid the growing sense of uncertainty about the future of the farming and crofting sector in Scotland, the newly formed farmer-led steering group was at the show to unveil their ‘Pledge for Nature’, and invite other farmers, crofters, politicians and the public to support their call for rural policy that supports and rewards farmers and crofters for providing public goods, such as abundant wildlife and healthy ecosystems.

NFFN Scotland’s chair is Dumfriesshire livestock farmer Michael Clarke, who said: "With Brexit, we are in a period of great change and uncertainty. Regardless of the outcome, Scotland needs to create a long-term, stable policy framework that will drive a mainstream shift towards a sustainable, productive, nature-friendly future for farming as well as protecting the landscape.

"It is important that we get some clarity in Scotland about what the future of policy will entail and make a shift to supporting public benefits.”

Hundreds of farmers in Scotland already use nature friendly farming practices, but NFFN believes that the scale of the decline in wildlife and soil quality and the challenges presented by climate change mean that this work needs to be scaled up rapidly with strong policy support.

Post-Brexit, it wants agricultural policies that help farmers produce high quality food at the same time as helping our soil, landscapes and wildlife recover and flourish. Among other things this means that farming payments need to be continued and redirected towards mainstreaming nature friendly farming.

The NFFN wants this not just because the farmers care about nature – but because they firmly believe that a more nature friendly approach will be key to the long-term survival and success of farming in Scotland.

It argues that farmers who already use nature friendly techniques are seeing encouraging results on their farms for biodiversity, soil health, water quality, air quality and species that were formerly under threat.

The Network has been welcomed by a range of environmental and conservation charities, including the Soil Association, National Trust, Woodland Trust, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife and Plantlife.

Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for rural affairs, Mike Rumbles, said: “This is an excellent initiative and one that I support. Looking after our land and environment for future generations should be at the forefront of rural policy in Scotland. That is the best way to ensure our agricultural industries continue to benefit our rural economy for years to come.

"Farmers are at the coal face in protecting and maintaining our environment and many farm businesses have done a fantastic job of implementing greening measures across the sector," he said.

“It is a time of daunting uncertainty for many farm businesses. The NFFN launched by farmers today is an important step toward joined-up and inclusive thinking about rural and environmental issues and giving our rural communities a stronger voice.”

Speaking for the Scottish Farm Wildlife Advisers’ Group, Richard Lockett said: “We are delighted to see the launch of such an important network, recognising the crucial importance of the environment in farming, and the role that farmers and crofters play in supporting nature and wildlife.

"FWAG is pleased to be able to support NFFN and look forward to their contributions to the debate on future rural policy.”

Farming and Land Use Manager at Soil Association Scotland, Sarah Millar, said: “Soil Association Scotland’s farming programmes focus on farming with nature to deliver good food and livelihoods from the land. We are delighted to support a Nature-Friendly Farming Network that is campaigning for greater recognition of the important contribution farmers make to conserving and promoting the environment.”

Farmers can find out more about the NFFN on www.nffn.org.uk