NFU Scotland welcomes move to scrap 2030 climate target

NFU Scotland has welcomed an announcement by Scottish government to scrap plans to cut carbon emissions by 75% by 2030.

In an update to Holyrood on Thursday 18 April, energy secretary Mairi McAllan announced that Scottish government had abandoned this target after accepting it is “out of reach”.

However, the government reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to achieve net zero in Scotland by 2045.

See also: NFU Scotland launches manifesto for general election

A package of measures for the Scottish agriculture industry which is aimed at helping to reach the net-zero goal has already been announced by Scottish government.

New conditions for agriculture support from 2025 include a Whole Farm Plan within which two of five options must be chosen.

Soil testing and integrated pest management plans will form two of those options and the government has said nutrient management plans will be added to the Whole Farm Plans by 2028, with the details developed through a co-design approach.

Tier 2 of the agriculture future support framework will be important for delivering outcomes for climate and nature. A further announcement on the level of funding will be made in June 2024.

Plans for a methane-inhibitor animal feed pilot will explore the uptake of methane-suppressing feed products or additives on Scottish livestock farms.

Proportionate carbon audits will also be required by all farms receiving public support by 2028 at the latest.

Furthermore, the Scottish government will consult on options for a carbon land tax on larger landholdings in summer 2024, as part of exploring regulatory and fiscal changes that could be made to further incentivise peatland restoration, afforestation, and renewable energy generation.

Union stance

NFU Scotland vice-president Alasdair Macnab said: “We welcome the change in direction on Scottish government climate policy targets and the focus on a pathway and strategy to 2045. 

“NFU Scotland has always said that the real goal is net zero, not zero emissions. We now need to focus exclusively on net zero but not necessarily be legally bound by deadlines.

“The emphasis must shift to ‘how’ rather than being a hostage to ‘when’.”

However, in contrast, Friends of the Earth said the Scottish government’s decision to scrap the 2030 climate targets would be the “worst environmental decision in the history of the Scottish Parliament”.