The Scottish Government has published a raft of new research which it says will help to help develop a unique approach to Scottish agricultural policy.

The move comes in the face of repeated criticism the pace of agri policy development is too slow and causing uncertainty in the sector.

Twelve reports have been produced that explore some of the options and mechanisms Scottish Government will need to consider whilst developing its upcoming plans for agriculture with a renewed focus on delivering for both industry and for nature.

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The reports cover a wide range of themes including a summary of agricultural policy proposals for Northern Ireland, conceptual considerations for BPS regionalisation options, data analysis and policy considerations of ‘actively farmed hectares’ and methane mitigation by feed supplements.

The collaborative effort included staff from Scotland’s Rural College, the James Hutton Institute, Pareto Consulting and ICF. The research was commissioned by the Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services and has already been considered by the Scottish Government’s Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board.

Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, who is co-chair of ARIOB, said: “As a result of Brexit, Scotland must now forge its own path and develop a farming support system that is both practical and sustainable.

“We remain fully committed in our efforts to develop a new framework that emphasises high quality food production and encourages farming methods that will help tackle the twin biodiversity and climate crises."

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The document underlines the Scottish Government’s position of remaining aligned to EU policy where possible and points to diverging approaches to agriculture policy across the UK.

It also acknowledges that Scottish agriculture still operates in UK agri-food supply chains where cross-border issues remain important, as well as budget allocations from Westminster for agriculture and land use sectors.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said: “To make the right decisions and secure the desired outcomes from Scotland’s future agricultural policy, we must have accurate facts, figures and analysis. We welcome the publication of these reports, as they provide a stronger, more robust evidence base around which crucial decisions on the future of our industry can be based.

“The content of the reports will inform thinking on future policy and, just as importantly, help us understand what the impact of those policy choices may be. The whole process of developing future policy is frustratingly slow but it is important that decisions are taken that ensure we deliver on our priorities of food, climate and biodiversity and at the same time sustain profitable farming and crofting businesses and thriving rural communities.

“With the reports in the public domain, their content opens up the debate about what Scottish agriculture needs from the future support framework that will follow on from the forthcoming Agriculture Bill.”

Other reports in the set cover considerations when including biodiversity measures within environmental conditionality and protection of peatlands and wetlands.