SIR, - I was truly disappointed to read Christopher Nicolson's quote in the Scottish Farmer last week that "The trees versus tenants debate is set to reignite". This appears to reverse the outcome of the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group (WEAG), in which the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) played a full role, and ignores the evidence that sheep and trees can be a winning formula for all.
WEAG reported in 2012 and all participants, including the STFA, agreed a recommendation for 100,000 hectares of tree planting by 2022, an average of 10,000
hectares a year, which the Scottish Government accepted.
A few years in, we are already over 12,000 hectares behind in meeting that planting target.
Surely what should be "set to reignite" is the frustration of those who wish to see the many benefits of woodland expansion realised on the ground?
The issue in question, however, is not about trees versus tenants. It's about future changes to subsidy regimes and markets for products. Trying to shoe-horn tree planting in as the villain of the piece will not help hard-pressed tenant farmers to plan a profitable future.
In the WEAG process, and subsequently, we have seen evidence emerging of why farmers should look at tree planting - and many are. It can provide over three times as much income as sheep farming and twice as much income to local communities, as well as valuable shelter for sheep- allowing yields to be maintained.
Then there is the vital contribution made by tree planting to meeting Scotland's climate change targets, and the new habitats for wildlife that are created.
I am aware of tenants who have bought their freehold and part of this land is being considered for tree planting, a different picture than that currently being painted.
Surely it is more constructive to address high-level change to subsidy regimes and markets by looking at on-the-ground solutions, including forestry?
As Scotland leaves the CAP it is an opportunity to design policy and support measures that suit rural Scotland, based on evidence of benefit- that means rediscovering Scotland's forest culture alongside 'traditional' farming activities.
Stuart Goodall
Chief Executive
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