Make the CAP fit
We commend this week’s call for support to some of Scotland’s most fragile farming areas (your report, 4 June).
High-nature-value farming areas are particularly vulnerable to economic change and in most cases rely heavily on the current payment and support schemes.
It is important that in the next common agricultural policy (CAP), support is given and targeted at these smaller, vulnerable units which can deliver high biodiversity value.
It is also vital that the new Scottish Rural Development Programme enables farmers and crofters to work together in collaborative schemes to deliver landscape scale improvements to our wildlife and that this effort is supported by the provision of advice. Only then will we make headway on our 2020 biodiversity targets.
(Dr) Adam Smith
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
Perth Airport