Agriculture / Dissertation study highlights concern over whole farm plan scheme
THERE is “widespread concern” among local crofters over the introduction of the Scottish Government’s whole farm plan (WFP) scheme, a study has found.
As part of her honours degree in agriculture at the SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), Katrina Coutts has carried out a study investigating the impact the WFP will have on Shetland’s agricultural businesses.
Coutts, who will graduate from SRUC this summer, was brought up on a croft in the North Mainland and is involved in many aspects of the Shetland agricultural sector.
She has always had a strong interest in the sector and started working for Shetland Livestock Marketing Group at a young age as well as having been involved in the local Young Farmers group.
More recently she has been working part-time for SAC Lerwick as well as working at Laxfirth Farm.
The WFP scheme is a new policy framework introduced in Scotland. It sees those completing a Single Application Form (SAF) for support payments having to undertake audits in areas such as carbon emissions, biodiversity and soil analysis.
The aim of the WFP is to promote environmental sustainability and improve agricultural practices.
By May 2028, the WFP will apply to every business in Scotland that claims agricultural support.
But there is concern over its suitability for crofting communities in Shetland, given the isles’ agricultural, economic and environmental challenges.
Early indicators show that the number of SAF applications completed in Shetland in 2025 are already down on returns for 2024 by more than 40 businesses.
Coutts used a mixed-methods approach to carry out the study, incorporating online crofter surveys, a focus group and interviews with industry experts.
More than 10 per cent of all crofting businesses in Shetland engaged directly with the study.
More than half of the survey responses mentioned the administrative burden, financial strain and feasibility of implementing the WFP, with many crofters expressing scepticism about its relevance to small-scale operation.
Additionally, the study highlighted a risk of disengagement from subsidy schemes, noted in 46 per cent of online survey responses.
One response stated: “This is potentially a disaster. It is forcing many crofters to withdraw from support payments, and many are looking to give up crofting. This is a threat to the structural fabric of the rural community.”
To address these challenges, policy adaptations such as a Small Recipient Scheme (SRS) and increased access to one to one advisory support have been recommended.
The research also highlights the need for greater flexibility in agricultural policy to ensure the long-term sustainability of Shetland’s crofting industry and rural communities.
Coutts said: “I am really grateful to all who took part in my study- either filling in the survey online or coming to some of the meetings. Every piece of feedback I received has been very useful.
“I will share my dissertation with local MSPs, relevant Scottish Ministers, and any interested stakeholders. If anyone is interested in seeing a copy, please get in touch.
“I’m not sure if it will change anything but I hope those who have taken part gain some relief from at least having their voices heard. Thanks to everybody who gave me their time and insights as without your help this research would not have been possible.”
The Scottish Government’s agricultural minister Jim Fairlie said in response: “The Whole Farm Plan provides farmers and crofters with the information they need to understand how efficient their agricultural business and activities are and identify ways to reduce their costs, emissions and protect biodiversity.
“Applicants for Basic Payment Scheme support decide which two audits and plans they do that are relevant to their activities.
“Each of the audits and plans that make up the Whole Farm Plan, except for having soil samples analysed, can be carried out by farmers and crofters themselves at little or no cost using free to use tools.
“We also provide funding through Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) towards the cost of soil analysis and £500 towards having a Carbon Audit performed.”
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