Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is calling on local farmers to participate in a five-year climate programme that aims to enhance their profits.
The Resilient Farm Network programme is set to run from 2025 to 2029 and will explore ways to make farming in the area more environmentally friendly and economically viable for farmers.
This initiative will prioritize nature restoration and focus on sustainability approaches led by farmers to help their businesses thrive despite climate and economic challenges. Farmers will receive practical tools, support, and resources to aid them in this endeavor.
In this new scheme, three host farms will undergo comprehensive financial, enterprise performance, environmental, and biodiversity reviews. They will also receive regular peer support through a local discussion group.
The National Park Authority is committed to ensuring that the programme remains farmer-driven. The focus will be on peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, supported by training and advice, with local land managers taking the lead in discussions and sharing experiences.
Daniel Stout, a Land Management Adviser with the National Park Authority, will be leading the programme. With his experience as a farm consultant and a background in crofting, he will assist host farms in making evidence-based decisions for the benefit of their operations and the wider community.
Stout mentioned, “This is an exciting opportunity for forward-thinking farmers to trial new methods and improve their farming systems for the benefit of their businesses and the wider farming community.”
The Resilient Farm Network aims to bring local farmers together to find solutions that enhance profitability and sustainability. By building resilience to changes in support payments, climate, and market fluctuations, farmers can secure a more sustainable future for their businesses.
The programme will focus on practices such as forage-based sheep and beef systems, improved grassland management, and sustainable parasite control in the context of upland livestock farming in the National Park. By optimizing production and reducing input costs, farmers can improve profitability while enhancing their farm’s carbon footprint and nature value.
The launch of this programme follows a recent report by Scottish Environment LINK, emphasizing that National Parks can play a significant role in supporting more sustainable farming practices, contributing to environmental goals and rural economies.
Participating farmers in the National Park will receive additional funding for work that aligns with the programme’s objectives. Benefits of participation include tailored support, free financial analysis, and carbon footprinting. Farmers can expect practical outcomes that will help reduce input costs, increase farm productivity, and promote nature restoration in the area.
Farmers interested in taking part are encouraged to attend a free event at the National Park Authority’s headquarters in Balloch. The event will feature a presentation from Perthshire farmer John Ritchie, who has successfully improved the profitability and resilience of his upland farm near Forgandenny by focusing on pasture production.
The event will take place on Monday, October 28th at 7:15 pm. Applications for a note of interest in the RFN programme are currently open online.