SWT to outline how it would replace CAP

The Scottish Wildlife Trust will today publish its proposals for future farm subsidy payments.

The Trust claims its land stewardship policy provides a “new blueprint for rural payments after Brexit” and a replacement to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

“After Brexit, the Scottish Government is likely to be in charge of how, and how much, public money is spent,” said chief executive Jonny Hughes.

“With finances under increasing pressure we need a new system that clearly links public money with public benefit to ensure that there is continued support for the rural economy.

“A land stewardship approach involves living within our means, aiming to get the best from our land while ensuring it is sustainably managed.

“Adopting this approach would allow us to create a healthier countryside, where producing quality food and other commodities from a quality environment becomes the new cultural norm.”

Mr Hughes said the Trust’s blueprint outlined a new subsidy support system for farmers, offering three tiers of payments.

It also calls for a target to create 2.47 million acres of new native woodland by 2050, for better stewardship for wild deer, and for grouse moors to be licenced.

The blueprint also calls for dedicated funds to be set aside for peatland restoration, invasive non-native species control, and for landowners to work together to create national ecological networks.

Scottish Wildlife Trust chief executive Jonny Hughes.