THE ROLE of Scottish agriculture in tacking climate change is to be recognised in a new motion to be lodged in the Scottish parliament.

Scottish Conservative politician Maurice Golden MSP has tabled a motion to highlight the measures the industry have committed to reduce emissions.

The motion reads: That the Parliament welcomes the contribution of Scottish agriculture to protecting the environment and being part of the solution to tackling climate change; commends Scottish farmers, including those in the West of Scotland, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29.4% since 1990; recognises that Scottish farmers already work hard to preserve the landscape, improve biodiversity, plant and manage woodland, restore peatland, improve water and soil quality and generate renewable energy; acknowledges the view that there is a need to develop a suite of joined-up, practical and progressive policies that allow food producers to continue running their businesses in a more sustainable and efficient manner, and looks forward to the new Agricultural Modernisation Fund assisting industry in this transition.

The Conservative's shadow environment, climate change and land reform secretary has responded to the criticism facing farming and hopes to ensure the sector is given fair acknowledgement for the work it is already doing and is calling for more support in the coming years.

The motion highlights the near 30% reduction that farmers have made in emissions since 1990 as well as their practices to improve peatland, restoring landscape and improving biodiversity.

Commenting, Mr Golden said: “Some of the narrative surrounding the agriculture industry in relation to tackling climate change has been grossly unfair and needs to be challenged.

“Like they have done in the past, our farmers are rising to the challenge of reducing emissions, already reducing them by almost 30 per cent in the last three decades.

“We must support them in their efforts to take new measures to tackle climate change, which is why I was pleased that plans for an agricultural modernisation fund formed part of the climate change bill," he continued.

“We now must see more detail on this fund in the coming months so that farmers know we are on their side and they can continue making their businesses more sustainable and efficient.”