2025 is less than half a year away, and the future of the Scottish Government's agricultural reform is a hot topic of discussion. With the end of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Scotland, which we covered in depth in previously, many are curious about the level of future direct support, how it will be delivered, changes to the basic payment scheme, and agricultural reform updates.
With the aim to transform how they support farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Reform Route Map has recently been updated to detail the actions applicants for agricultural support will be expected to make for claims to be submitted in May 2025 and what to expect in 2026.
The update includes:
information on important dates
when current schemes will transition or end
the support available
and how to prepare for these first changes from 2025
What changes will happen to the Basic Payment Scheme?
The Basic Payment Scheme will remain in place in 2025, 2026 and 2027 providing base level direct payments. However certain requirements (often referred to as “conditionality”) have been put in place and will apply from 2025 onwards.
New conditions will be introduced for Cross Compliance for 2025, which relate to peatland and wetland standards and will be added to GAEC 6- maintenance of soil organic matter. These prohibit a range of activities from being carried out on peatland and wetland areas (with certain exemptions available where the activity is carried out as part of a peatland restoration project OR given prior written approval).
How to Prepare a Whole Farm Plan
Prior to 15 May 2025 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applicants must have started to carry out plans and audits relevant to their activities in preparation for the Whole Farm Plan.
Applicants must have in place at least two of the following plans and audits:-
Carbon audit
Biodiversity audit
Soil analysis
Animal health and welfare plan
Integrated pest management plan
Items 1-3 must be conducted within the 5 year period prior to May 2025. If you have already carried any of these out, check that they do not require to be updated.
Items 4 and 5 will be renewed annually.
Detailed guidance on the Whole Farm Plan can be accessed here
Grants are still available through Preparing for Sustainable Farming to carry out carbon audits and soil analysis. There are also free resources available to create animal health and welfare plans.
Consulting with a North East Scotland based solicitor who specialises in rural and agricultural matters in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can help ensure that you are fully prepared.
The Key Actions You Need To Take
Farmers and crofters who intend to claim Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2025 must:
Check what audits and plans are required for their business
Ensure they have at least two of the audits and plans that are part of the Whole Farm Plan by 15 May 2025
Ensure audits and plans meet the minimum standard required for the Whole Farm Plan
Ensure individual audits and plans meet the validity period
Indicate on their 2025 Single Application Form (SAF) what audits and plans they have
Ensure copies of audits and plans can be shared with SGRPID if required
Keep a record of any actions taken based on the information from the audits and plans
Continue to obtain any additional audits and plans to ensure they have all applicable audits and plans by 15 May 2028 at the latest.
Before May 2025
Make sure you are prepared and that your audits and plans are prepared and suitable.
Before carrying out any activity on peatland and wetland areas, consider whether it may now be prohibited by the new Cross Compliance conditions (even if it was previously permitted) and whether it is necessary to apply for prior written approval.
Being prepared for upcoming changes is crucial, but it can also be a complex process. The Rural team at Burnett & Reid has extensive experience assisting individuals in the agriculture sector in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Trust us to provide the guidance and support you need to navigate these changes effectively. If you require assistance or have any questions, get in touch with our expert team of rural solicitors at Burnett & Reid, located in Aberdeen and Banchory.
