Whole Farm Plan - What You Need to Know
The Scottish Government's newly introduced Whole Farm Plan (WFP) requirement for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) marks a significant change for farmers and crofters in Scotland. This new framework encourages a more sustainable, holistic approach to farming, aligning with broader goals like climate mitigation, biodiversity restoration, and high-quality food production. So, what does this mean for you as a farmer or crofter? Let's break it down.
Why These Changes Matter
The Whole Farm Plan is part of the Agricultural Reform Programme, designed to position Scotland as a leader in sustainable agriculture. In the Scottish Governments explanation, as the industry faces increasing pressure to tackle climate change, reduce emissions, and boost biodiversity, the WFP ensures farms are not only productive but also environmentally resilient. The WFP links future farm support directly to these critical goals, benefiting rural economies and the environment alike.
Development of the Whole Farm Plan
The Whole Farm Plan has been co-developed with major agricultural stakeholders like the NFUS, Scottish Crofting Federation, and environmental groups including the RSPB. The goal? To create a framework that supports sustainable land management while ensuring farmers and crofters receive the guidance they need to adapt successfully.
Key Requirements
By May 15, 2025, to remain eligible for BPS payments, every farmer and crofter must have completed at least two of the following audits or plans:
Carbon Audit – Helps identify where emissions can be reduced, improving both efficiency and sustainability.
Biodiversity Audit (Habitat Map) – Highlights key habitats and natural capital, identifying areas for conservation or improvement.
Soil Analysis – Essential for optimizing soil health and nutrient management.
Animal Health and Welfare Plan – Focused on improving livestock efficiency and welfare, reducing emissions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan – Encourages reduced pesticide use through sustainable pest control practices.
All applicable audits and plans must be completed by 2028 to remain eligible for agricultural support payments.
Key Dates to Remember
15 May 2025: You must have completed at least two applicable audits or plans.
2026: Additional plans may be required as part of the transition.
2028: All relevant audits and plans must be in place.
What Do Farmers and Crofters Need to Do?
Determine applicable audits and plans: Depending on your farm or croft's activities (livestock, crop production, etc.), identify which audits are necessary.
Complete the plans: Many audits can be self-completed, though expert advice is available for complex tasks like biodiversity mapping or carbon audits.
Stay organized: Ensure plans are kept updated (e.g., soil analyses and biodiversity audits every five years, animal health and pest management plans annually).
Meeting the Standards:
1. Carbon Audit
Action: Use an approved tool to complete the audit.
Outcome: Calculates your farm’s carbon footprint, identifying emission sources and providing reduction strategies.
Standard: Aligned with PAS 2050, updated every five years, and supplemented with recommendations.
2. Biodiversity Audit (Habitat Map)
Action: Create a habitat map using LPIS or external biodiversity tools.
Outcome: Identifies key habitats and assesses their current condition.
Standard: Updated at least once every five years.
3. Soil Analysis
Action: Conduct soil sampling for nutrient levels and health.
Outcome: Provides data to optimize fertilizer use and improve soil management.
Standard: Required every five years for farms applying fertilizers to Region 1 land.
4. Animal Health and Welfare Plan
Action: Create an annual plan tailored to livestock needs.
Outcome: Improves productivity and disease management.
Standard: Required for livestock farms, must include breeding, disease risks, and welfare strategies.
5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan
Action: Develop an IPM plan for sustainable pest control.
Outcome: Reduces pesticide use, protecting biodiversity.
Standard: Updated annually, required for farms using pesticides.
Feasibility for Farmers to Complete the Plan
While the audits are detailed, most farmers and crofters can complete the necessary work themselves. Certain tasks, like soil analysis, need to be conducted by certified labs, and animal health plans require veterinary involvement. However, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) provides financial and advisory support, making it easier to comply with the Whole Farm Plan requirements.
Compliance and Inspections
Compliance from 2025
From May 15, 2025, farmers and crofters must complete at least two required audits or plans. While there will be no penalties in 2025, non-compliance will result in a warning letter, providing time to make necessary corrections without financial consequences.
On-Farm Inspections
Starting in 2025, SGRPID will inspect farms to verify the plans listed on your Single Application Form (SAF). Inspections will ensure that audits are valid and up-to-date, but the quality of the plans will not be assessed at this stage.
Penalties from 2026 Onwards
Penalties for non-compliance will be introduced in 2026, including potential reductions in BPS payments for missing or outdated plans. By 2028, all relevant audits and plans must be completed.
Special Considerations for Small Businesses
Small farms will have more flexibility in 2025 and will not face immediate penalties if they encounter difficulties in adopting the new plans.
How Can Funding Support Help?
Through the Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) scheme, financial aid is available for key tasks:
Up to £500 for carbon audits.
£500 for soil testing across arable and improved grassland.
Free online tools for creating IPM and animal health plans.
Additionally, the Farm Advisory Service offers support for:
Integrated Land Management Plans: Up to £2000 worth of funding to cover 80% of the cost, providing a comprehensive review of your farm.
Specialist Plans: Fully funded up to £1600 per plan for areas like animal health & welfare plan, soil & nutrient management, and biodiversity habitat & landscape management.
Carbon Audits - unfortunately the Scottish Government has implemented a pause to current applicants for the Carbon Audit funding avenue, however should this stream open again it would allow access to funding of £660 for an initial carbon audit to be completed, and £330 for every audit thereafter.
By taking advantage of this support, farmers can ensure compliance and promote sustainable farming practices.
Key Takeaways:
Whole Farm Plan (WFP) is a new requirement for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in Scotland, supporting sustainability, biodiversity, and climate goals.
Deadline: Complete at least two audits or plans by 15 May 2025.
Full compliance: By 2028, all applicable plans and audits must be completed.
No penalties in 2025, but penalties will begin in 2026.
Financial support from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is available for key audits and plans, ensuring a smoother transition.
NoRTH west rural consulting
Change can often bring a sense of uncertainty, especially when there's already a lot to manage in keeping your farm or croft running smoothly. The thought of more paperwork and new requirements for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) may feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
With the variety of funding options available and detailed support provided to help you understand and implement the Whole Farm Plan, there's a built-in grace period in 2025 to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible. At NWRC, we're here to guide you through the process and make it as straightforward and manageable as possible.
If any of the funding opportunities align with your farm's goals, we’re ready to assist in delivering those outcomes. But beyond that, we’re also here to listen and provide reassurance. The new requirements may feel like an additional load, but with the right support, they don’t have to be. Reach out to see how we can help lighten the load and support your business through this transition.