The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) believes that establishing a national park is ‘the natural way forward’ for farmers within Galloway and across South West Scotland amid the multiple challenges facing the industry.
A recent report from the Scottish Environment LINK network, alongside Farming Benefits of National Parks, underlines how National Parks in Scotland and beyond provide practical help and solutions with grants, advice, partnership schemes, and marketing opportunities.
According to the GNPA, they believe this could be a notable benefit in Galloway, following the recent news that twelve dairy farmers lost their milk contracts with Lactalis.
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“Schools are shutting for lack of pupils. We can sit back and do nothing, but this is our golden chance to do something different.
“National Parks are successful worldwide, we need to grasp this opportunity. We need to get people back on the land and in the villages.
“Now there are opportunities to discuss the future with NatureScot, and we need to take these – it’s far better to engage than to oppose as there are so many possibilities for win-wins.
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He added: “We need people on the ground getting involved with making the policies and getting proactive to make a success of this opportunity."
The LINK report recognises that Scottish National Parks are working landscapes which need to support thriving and profitable businesses, which can also deliver for nature and climate.
The GNPA highlights how Park Authorities are a positive force in bringing together farmers and others for a better future.
Key benefits included in the report:
• Land managers would have access to additional funding and advice to help them accelerate change towards net zero and becoming nature positive.
• A Galloway National Park would provide additional opportunities for land managers to diversify and add value to their existing primary production of food and timber, which will also deliver wider benefits for our communities and Scotland as a whole.
• Major advantages in being able to market local produce using a globally recognised brand.
• Opportunities for diversification into areas like agritourism – bringing income to farms and helping visitors learn about rural and agricultural life.
• Access to additional help and advice in creating sustainable businesses.
Furthermore, the report notes that the Scottish Government’s rural payments system and land management regime are the same both inside and outside Scottish National Parks.
It’s also a boost for younger generations who currently see little future in primary food production but could be attracted by diversification and more eco-friendly farming.
The report – which contains a series of case studies from existing National Parks – can be found at Publications - Scotlink.
Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 40 member bodies including RSPB Scotland, WWF, The Woodland Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust and The National Trust for Scotland. See www.scotlink.org/link-campaigns/nature-for-all/
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