Greening refers to a set of agricultural practices and policies that aim to promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming. This can include a variety of different techniques, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage and agroforestry. The goal of greening is to improve soil health, reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and promote biodiversity. Greening can also improve water management and reduce the risk of soil erosion. The term Greening is also used to refer to specific measures, to promote more sustainable farming practices. These measures include:

CROP DIVERSIFCATION

Requiring farmers to grow a certain diversity of crops on their land, to promote by diversity and reduce the risk of crop failures.

ECOLOGICAL FOCUS AREA (EFA)

Farmers must maintain a certain percentage of their land as EFA’s, which can include things like wetlands, hedgerows, and buffer strips.

PERMANENT PASTURE

Farmers must maintain a certain percentage of their land as permanent pasture which helps to protect soil and promote biodiversity.

It’s worth noting that the specific requirements and definition of greening vary depending on the context and region and they are subject to changes over time. Scottish farmers can determine the appropriate mix of greening practices for their farm by consulting with a variety of sources such as:

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

The Scottish Government has several agencies and organisations that provide information and support for farmers on greening practices, such as The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) and the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC). These organisations can provide farmers with technical advice and guidance on the most appropriate greening practices for their specific farm and situation.

EXTENSION SERVICES

Many Scottish Universities and research Institutions have extension services that provide information and support to farmers on a wide range of topics, including greening. These services can provide farmers with the latest research and information on greening practices as well as advice on how to implement them.

FARM ADVISORY SERVICES

Many Scottish farmers are members of Farm Advisory Services such as the Scottish National Farmers Union (SNFU) which provides information and support to farmers on a wide range of topics including greening. These services can provide farmers with advice on the most appropriate greening practices for their specific farm and situation and also provide guidance on how to comply with the current regulations.

Greening practices can complement a farms current income in several ways such as:

INCREASED CROP YIELDS

Greening practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping and reduced tillage can improve soil health, which in turn can lead to increased crop yields and higher income for the farm.

REDUCED COST

Greening practices can help farmers reduce their costs by reducing their dependence on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and by promoting more sustainable land management practices. This can lead to a more cost effective and profitable farming operation.

INCREASED SOIL HEALTH

Greening practices can improve the quality of the soil, and this can lead to a more productive and profitable farm.

DIVERSIFIED INCOME

Greening practices can also provide farmers with new income opportunities, such as through agroforestry, which can provide farmers with additional income streams from the sale of timber or non-timber forest products.

REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

Greening practices can also reduce the environmental liabilities of the farm, such as reducing the risk of soil erosion or water pollution, and this can help to protect the farms reputation and income in the long term.

COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

Greening practices can also help farmers to comply with prevailing regulations which can be a requirement for receiving government subsidies and can help to ensure that farmers continue to have a stable income.

Altogether, greening practices can complement a farms income by increasing crop yields, reducing costs, improving soil health, diversifying income, reducing environmental liabilities, and compliance with regulations.