SOPA Update on Whole Farm Plans

Scottish Government are introducing a new requirement for all farms and crofts in receipt of the Basic Payment Scheme payments to complete Whole Farm Plans for their business. This is to help identify ways to make businesses more efficient, productive and profitable. The whole farm approach is key to more sustainable farming practices and gives the farmer and crofter a before-and-after view.

The plans allow assessment of the impact of a business on emissions, environmental conditions, health and welfare of livestock and use of fertilisers and pesticides, and by May 2025 farmers and crofters will need to demonstrate they have started to baseline their current practices and adopt any changes that will ensure future efficiency, sustainability and resilience.

Download the full SOPA guidance document here.

To read the full Scottish Government guidance, click here.