Scotland’s Farming Union, NFU Scotland, has written to the new Scottish SNP Government about rumours that it may pause the permanent grassland greening scheme.

The scheme came under a lot of criticism in Orkney about the possible implications it would have on farming in the islands. In his visit to the islands in February First Minister John Swinney met with farmers’ leaders to hear of their serious concerns. After the meeting he said that he would look further into the scheme.

“An underlying strength for the Orkney business community is there is such a strong brand identity for Orkney.” – First Minister John Swinney

It now emerges that the newly elected Scottish Government will put the scheme on hold while further investigations continue into how it would impact farming in places like Orkney.

NFU Scotland has stressed that although it supports the scheme, that it was moving too fast and hadn’t taken into consideration the implications for grass fed livestock farmers.

Andrew Connon, President of NFU Scotland, said:

“We have raised concerns on permanent grassland proposals on a number of occasions, making clear that the pace and direction of travel risked getting ahead of what is workable on the ground and protects production capacity.

“While we support the ambition to deliver for climate and nature, this must be done in a way that recognises the realities of Scotland’s diverse farming systems, particularly in livestock areas.

“It is therefore concerning that such a significant development has come to light through the media, with no prior engagement with NFU Scotland or, to our knowledge, the wider industry.

“If this work has been paused, we need urgent clarity on what that means, why the decision has been taken, and what happens next.

“Farmers need certainty, and that can only be achieved through proper engagement with those directly affected.”

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