NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that it’s ambitious targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions have been scrapped.

In a statement at Holyrood, energy secretary Mairi McAllan conceded the targets were out of reach, but said the Scottish Government 'must now act to chart a course to 2045 at a pace and scale that is feasible, fair and just'.

She described the U turn as a ‘minor legislative amendment’.

The widely-predicted climbdown comes after a damning report by Westminster’s Climate Change Committee which said Scotland’s 2030 target was now ‘beyond what is credible.’

A package of measures outlined by Ms McAllan include a pilot scheme with a number of farms to establish future appropriate uptake of methane-suppressing feed products or additives and proportionate carbon audits will also be required by farms receiving public support by 2028 at the latest.

In addition, a consultation will be launched this summer on carbon land tax on the largest estates, considering regulatory and fiscal changes that could further incentivise peatland restoration, afforestation and renewable energy production.

READ MORE | Farming and carbon reduction: Challenges and solutions

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.

“NFUS 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’.

“We know that Scottish farmers and crofters, if appropriately equipped and empowered with the right tools and support, will play a key role in meeting net zero targets."

Mr Macnab said the agri sector is already adapting to climate change and added: “We note the planned introduction of mandatory carbon audits and nutrient management plans by 2028, all of which will be discussed with in full our members.

READ MORE | Agriculture in Scotland is second largest greenhouse gas producer

“On the proposed methane-inhibitor animal feed pilot, we welcome further research and development specifically in Scotland to examine the possible role it may have on livestock farms, and we urge Scottish Government to continue to consider and reward any on-farm efficiency measures which both reduce emissions and improve profitability at a farm or croft level.”

Mr Macnab also urged Holyrood to ‘look to science to ensure that the current over-emphasis on emissions and a lack of emphasis on sequestration is addressed'.

However, a spokesperson for Scottish Environment LINK, a group of environmental charities said the organisation is ‘deeply concerned’ at the move and ‘now is not the time for the government to take its feet off the pedal'.

She said: “People want sustainably produced food, and many farmers and crofters want to work in ways that are better for the planet. We need the Scottish government to do all it can to make farming work for nature, climate and people.

“We also need to speed up action to restore soils, peatlands and woodlands, which can play a hugely important role in sequestering and storing carbon. Nature can be our first line of defence against climate change if we help it recover.”

A package of measures outlined by Ms McAllan include a pilot scheme with a number of farms to establish future appropriate uptake of methane-supressing feed products or additives and proportionate carbon audits will also be required by farms receiving public support by 2028 at the latest.

In addition, a consultation will be launched this summer on carbon land tax on the largest estates, considering regulatory and fiscal changes that could further incentivise peatland restoration, afforestation and renewable energy production.