The Scottish Government has mandated that farmers must develop a comprehensive plan for environmental and climate protection to be eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), diverging from England's approach by retaining the EU's Common Agricultural Policy framework. This adjustment in Scotland introduces a prerequisite for a whole farm plan, a concept recognized as integral to organic farming practices.
For BPS eligibility, farmers and crofters are required to submit a plan detailing their strategies across five key areas: animal health and welfare, biodiversity, integrated pest management, carbon, and soil analysis. They must complete audits in at least two of these areas by May 15, 2025, and fulfill the remaining relevant audits by 2028. Certified organic farmers are automatically deemed compliant with the animal health and welfare and integrated pest management criteria, aligning with organic standards that prioritize high animal welfare and natural pest control methods over chemical pesticides.
David McKay, Co-Director of Soil Association Scotland, highlighted the alignment of the new requirements with organic farming's holistic approach to environmental stewardship, noting the potential for whole-farm planning to enhance resilience and food security. McKay also underscored the benefits of diversified farming practices and the use of nature-based solutions for pest and disease management as cost-effective alternatives to synthetic inputs.
A case study featuring Dee Ward, who is transitioning Rottal Estate in Angus to organic farming, illustrates the practical application of a whole-farm approach. Ward emphasized the importance of sustainable, low-impact farming practices that support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, including climate resilience and natural flood management.
In response to a Soil Association report advocating for policy incentives for whole-farm planning, Soil Association Scotland is offering support services to assist farmers and crofters in adopting this approach. This includes webinars, on-farm events, and a variety of educational resources available through 2025 and 2026, aimed at facilitating the transition to holistic farm management practices.
Source: Farming Online