I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-20927 on 19 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-20927 on 19 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scottish Government is committed to doubling the land area devoted to organic farming by 2026 and supporting the growth of organic food production in Scotland, in recognition of the benefits of nature-friendly farming practices. The Scottish Government is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to Net Zero.

Organic farming is a holistic approach and is not mutually exclusive with other practices such as agroforestry, for example. Several practices that may be undertaken through an organic approach can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as reduced use of synthetic fertilisers.

The Scottish Government commissioned research in 2022, ‘The Potential for an Agroecological Approach in Scotland’, which included an exploration of organic practices. This linked these practices to a potential reduction in GHG emissions at farm-level. Evidence gaps remain on the impact on overall emissions, as these practices are likely to result in lower yields while increasing farm resilience and contributing to yield stability.

The study notes that any impacts of organic farming practices on greenhouse gas emissions and Scotland’s reliance on food imports are highly reliant on factors such as geographical location, the farming system, and the time since the transition from conventional to organic production. Therefore, the impact on emissions and food imports is influenced by several factors. We have commissioned further research on this issue to explore it in greater depth.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-20927 on 19 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Ministers have no plans at present for further bill workshops. The Agriculture reform programme is currently hosting engagement sessions across Scotland to hear from farmers and crofters, and increase awareness of Agricultural Reform.

The Agricultural Reform Roadshow started in June 2023, visiting 25 agricultural shows and marts across Scotland.

A full list of the roadshow dates can be found at Agriculture Reform Programme (ARP) roadshow dates 2023 (ruralpayments.org)

On 22 June 2023, the Scottish Government published the Agriculture Bill - Analysis of Consultation Responses which details the findings of this extended engagement and total number that attended the events.

An applicant is expected to undertake pre application consultation prior to submission of an Electricity Act application for construction of a battery storage development. Such pre application allows local communities to have their say at an early stage, and the Scottish Ministers expect that a submitted application includes a report on how communities’ views have been taken into account through this process.

An application submitted for consideration by the Scottish Ministers must provide assessment of the potential impacts on the receiving environment and on local amenity and infrastructure. A public consultation is held, and members of the public are invited to make representations on the submitted application. Community councils in the vicinity of the proposal are consulted for their views on the potential impacts.

The application information, consultation responses and representations from members of the public are considered carefully before any decision is made on an application.

Decisions on applications for section 36 consent are made on a case-by-case basis, weighing consideration of the benefits and impacts of the proposal, relevant policy, and all other material considerations.

On 22 June 2023, the Scottish Government published the Agriculture Bill - Analysis of Consultation Responses which details the findings of this extended engagement.

On 22 June 2023, the Scottish Government published the Agriculture Bill - Analysis of Consultation Responses which details the findings of this extended engagement and total number that attend the events.