Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-27 - Other - Page 43
A8. Farming
Farming is an important land use in the National Park and will continue to be so in the future. A significant
area of the National Park is farmed and, to achieve our net zero and biodiversity targets, we need to prioritise
activity that reduces farming’s carbon footprint, enhances species diversity, helps local food production and
builds resilience through joining up habitats and ecosystems. The transition to a low carbon future, delivering a
sustainable, productive and profitable agricultural sector, is a key part of the future of the National Park and is
part of a just transition.
Rural payments drive much of the farming activity in the National Park. These payments are changing and can
support farmers taking an integrated approach to managing their land, delivering a range of public benefits
(from carbon reduction to flood mitigation) in return for public support.
As part of this change we are establishing a Regional Land Use Partnership and Framework for the
National Park, which will help national and local government, communities, landowners and stakeholders
work together to reach net zero and find ways to ensure a wide range of people are involved in and benefit
from land use decisions.
OBJECTIVE
Work with farms in the National Park to reduce their carbon footprint,
conserve soil carbon, encourage sustainable production and deliver
increased biodiversity on in-bye land.
TARGET
•
Carbon and biodiversity plans are in place for farms across the National
Park by 2028.
INDICATOR
•
Target rural payments to support sustainable food production, reduce
carbon, increase and maintain the health of habitats and ecosystems,
enhance biodiversity and help connect different habitats across the
National Park.
•
Establish a Regional Land Use Partnership and Framework for the
National Park by 2023.
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