Farm Rural Business Services

The Farm Soils Plan is a new guidance document aimed at all farmers, crofters and agricultural contractors across Scotland.

It provides basic, straightforward guidance on

• Recognising and rectifying poor soil conditions
• Targeted nutrient application
• Preventing soil loss and protecting water quality
• Protecting your soils and the Single Farm Payment.

Some of the sections, depending on individual circumstances, could provide ideas to reduce the risk of soil erosion or protect water quality around the farm.  The Farm Soils Plan could also act as a brief guide to assess GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition) compliance regarding soil related issues, helping to protect future Single Farm Payments. 

Free copies of the Farm Soils Plan are available to collect at SAC, FWAG or SERD (Scottish Executive Rural Directorate, formerly SEERAD) offices.  Alternatively, copies can be downloaded from this site.

Production of The Farm Soils Plan is a joint initiative supported by SAC, SERD (Scottish Executive Rural Directorate, formerly SEERAD), SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage), WWF (Scotland) (funded through HSBC), FWAG Scotland (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group), SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency), and NFU Scotland (National Farmers Union).