A new route map for agricultural reform provides long-awaited update on the future of farming in Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates have said.

The rural organisation has given a cautious welcome to the Scottish Government announcement, stating that it provides a ‘degree of clarity’ that allows for some future business planning ahead of the CAP replacement coming into force.

Published on Friday, ,February 10, the Agricultural Reform Route Map sets out the timescales for information, support and implementation to help farmers, crofters and landowners plan and prepare for the changes to the agricultural support framework which will be introduced from 2025.

Head of policy at SLaE, Stephen Young, said: “We have been vocal about the lack of progress in developing a new public support system for land management in Scotland and the pressure that it has and will place on businesses who do not know what they are transitioning towards.

“The publication of the route map is therefore to be welcomed as it provides a degree of clarity that our farming enterprises can use to consider what changes they need to make in the short-term towards 2025.

“The list of activities, with defined outcomes and descriptions, will help guide plans and management choices in the coming years and it appears that those businesses who have already implemented these activities will be supported rather than just those starting now. This is essential to ensure that good practice is recognised.

“There are also other positive moves in the route map such as the area cap being lifted for conversion and maintenance payments relating to organic transformation, something we have been keen to promote as a way of helping to meet Scotland’s organic farming targets.

“We do still lack some considerable detail – particularly on the question of how much funding will be available.

“That said, this is still a significant step forward and SLaE would reiterate our offer to Scottish Government to support its work and provide positive solutions for the future of the industry.”