Whole Farm Plan rules for farms in Scotland – are you ready?
Farmers in Scotland are reminded that they need to make sure they meet the new rules on ‘Whole Farm Plans’ by 15 May 2025 to qualify for their Basic Payment.
The Scottish Government has recently issued an update on changes to agricultural support payments that come into effect in 2025.
Much of the detail has been previously published as part of the Agricultural Reform Route Map, but the government has issued a reminder as some farmers may need to take action over the next few months to ensure they remain eligible for support.
Farmers will continue to receive BPS in 2025, but some of the things they are required to do to qualify for their agricultural support payments are changing.
One of these is the introduction of Whole Farm Plan conditions. These are a set of plans and audits designed to help farmers understand more about their own business in relation to their carbon footprint and biodiversity, so they can farm more sustainably.
Farmers will have to confirm on their annual subsidy claim form – the Single Application Form (SAF) – that they have completed at least two of the following activities by 15 May 2025:
| Carbon audit | All conducted within the five-year period before May 2025 |
| Biodiversity audit | |
| Soil analysis | |
| Animal health and welfare plan | Which will be renewed annually |
| Integrated pest management plan |
Although there will be many farmers who can tick at least two boxes for the Whole Farm plan already, there will be just as many who will need to act between now and next spring in order to receive their BPS in full. So now is the time to start planning for it so everything is in place before the 15May.
In our experience, the ones which are of most practical use are the soil analysis, the animal health plan and the carbon audit.
Grants are still available to help pay for carbon audits and soil analysis through the Preparing for Sustainable Farming scheme.
Other changes for 2025 include:
- A new set of cross compliance conditions are being introduced which prohibit a range of activities from being carried out on peatland and wetland areas.
- Calves will only be eligible for a payment under the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS)if their dam has a calving interval of 410 days or less.
If you would like help to ensure your business is ready for the changes in agricultural support, contact Stephen Whiteford.
