Tim Eagle MSP has called for farmers to stop being “vilified” in the Scottish Government’s pursuit to reach net zero by 2045 as new figures show agriculture has reduced its greenhouse emissions by 13% over the last two decades.
The official Scottish Government statistics show a year-on-year drop in the farming industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The 7.5 MtCO2e for 2023 is a slight drop from the previous year, and marks a 13% reduction in emissions since the baseline year of 1990.
Enteric fermentation is the highest source of greenhouse gas within agriculture, followed by emissions from soils and manure.
While sectors such as agriculture have seen falls, emissions from overseas flights grew 19% as domestic transport remains the highest emitting industry in Scotland.
It comes after Scotland’s Climate Change Committee’s report advised reducing meat consumption by 30 per cent compared to current levels for the SNP to stay on track for 2045.
Buckie-based sheep farmer and Scottish Conservative shadow rural secretary, Tim Eagle MSP, said: “For too long our farming sector has been on the receiving end of the Scottish Government’s blame game for greenhouse gas emissions when these figures show a drop in the sector over the last two decades.
“This should act as a vote of confidence for our farmers.
“Being a farmer myself, I know the industry is eager to do their bit to tackle climate change and reduce emissions.
“It is nonsense for the Climate Change Committee to urge people to drop their red meat consumption and for livestock to be reduced.
“As this data highlights, it is wrong to vilify farmers, who are making great strides year-on-year to enhance their methods to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
“In order for this to continue, there now needs to be a guarantee from the Scottish Government that it will increase its agricultural budget to ensure this rate of reduction progresses into the future.”
