Farmers urged to benchmark carbon footprint

_{Farms completing the Scottish Farm Business Survey will be given a full carbon footprint measurement}

A nationwide survey which helps farms to save money while also benchmarking their carbon footprint and nitrate use is now open.

Established in the 1930s, the Scottish Government contract to carry out the Scottish Farm Business Survey has again been awarded to SAC Consulting.

As well as helping farmers, the objective economic evidence gathered supports the Scottish Government in its decision making on agricultural policy.

Part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), SAC Consulting now gives participating businesses a full carbon footprint measurement using Agrecalc, SAC Consulting’s award-winning farm carbon calculator.

Sascha Grierson, Principal Consultant, said: “Businesses all over Scotland are turning their attention to their sustainability credentials. This is complex, and in the survey, we now measure whole farm carbon footprints and nitrate use efficiency to look at alongside the farming economics.

“It’s proven that businesses which benchmark improve their performance. It doesn’t have to be complicated; you can pick some simple measures from the economics, the productivity information you get or the greenhouse gas emissions that matter to your business to get started. With ongoing volatility in input costs, looking at your finances in more detail over time can give you an objective viewpoint to support your decision making.” 

In return for taking part, each business receives a copy of the Farm Business Report; an Agrecalc carbon footprint calculation, which can be particularly useful for grant applications; and an Individual Performance Benchmark report, which allows farmers to compare their figures to similar businesses.

To find out more, email Sascha.Grierson@sac.co.uk

Posted by SRUC on 11/01/2023