Jackie Potts has contributed to a recently published report on “Metrics for effective environmental measures in agriculture.” The study led by Robin Pakeman (James Hutton Institute) was funded by ClimateXChage, Scotland’s Centre of Expertise connecting Climate Research and Policy.

As part of efforts to deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation, nature restoration and high quality food production, the Scottish Government aims to encourage sustainable and regenerative farming in Scotland through a programme of work to reform agricultural payments with a greater emphasis placed on delivering environmental outcomes.

The team’s research identified the most suitable metrics that could be used to monitor the success of the proposed measures in the agricultural reform programme against environmental outcomes. This includes consideration of cost-effectiveness, practicalities and the skills and capabilities of those tasked with monitoring.

Report co-authors include colleagues at JHI, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Moredun Research Institute.

You can read the full report and access the metrics spreadsheet here.

Image credit: Photo by David Maunsell on Unsplash