Farm report makes refreshing reading

THERE is much to debate on climate change and whether greenhouse gas emissions are making the world hotter, colder or wetter. The publication yesterday of a report that details the ways in which farming can mitigate its impact on the environment makes refreshing reading, for a change.

Agriculture is among the biggest contributors of greenhouse gases. The simplest view is that if Scotland reduced livestock numbers to zero and stopped ploughing we would solve the problem.

The reality, however, is that we would simply transfer the issue elsewhere and cause even greater environmental problems.

The report from the Scottish Government’s cross-industry group has struck a wonderful balance in a debate that has become increasingly polarised and driven by hysteria rather than commonsense.

It points to the very definite need to secure food production in Scotland. It also fires a shot across the bows of over-zealous policymakers.