Major Changes Coming to Scottish Agriculture: New Act Sections Set to Launch

In a significant move to reshape the agricultural landscape, the Scottish Government has announced the first set of provisions under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 will come into effect on 16th June 2025. This marks a pivotal step in implementing the 2024 Act, which aims to modernise agricultural practices and support rural communities across Scotland.

What’s Happening?

The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, a comprehensive piece of legislation, was granted Royal Assent on 30th July 2024. The new regulations, officially titled the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025, set 16th June 2025 as the date when the bulk of the Act's provisions—specifically sections 1 to 34, along with schedules 1 and 2—will be activated.

What Does This Mean for You?

The activation of these sections means that a wide array of measures will now be enforceable, targeting everything from sustainable farming practices to enhanced support for rural economies. However, some repeals from older legislation, specifically sections 4 and 6 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act 1911 and sections 1, 3, and 4 of the Farm Land and Rural Development Act 1988, are not yet set to take effect.

Why It Matters

This commencement is a crucial step in the Scottish Government’s strategy to bolster agriculture and rural development, ensuring these sectors are resilient and future-ready. By rolling out these parts of the Act, the government aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation in Scotland’s rural communities.

Stay Informed

For those in the agricultural sector or living in rural communities, staying informed about these changes is essential. The full details of the regulations can be accessed online, providing a roadmap for how these legislative changes may impact you and your business.

As Scotland moves forward with these reforms, the focus remains on creating a thriving agricultural sector that supports both the environment and local communities. Keep an eye on how these changes unfold and what further developments may arise as more sections of the Act are brought into force.