A diverse group have joined forces to improve food security by strengthening the link between nature and sustainable farming in Scotland.

NatureScot Chair Colin Galbraith unveiled the agreement at the Royal Highland Show today (19 June), which has been signed by NatureScot, Scottish Environment LINK, Scottish Land and Estates, NFU Scotland, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, and the Scottish Food Commission, championing a shared vision for nature and food.

With the increasing effects of climate change on Scotland’s food supply, including extreme weather and soil quality, the agreement focuses on the urgent need for natural ecosystems to be strong and healthy to support food production and food security. Several research studies, including the UK Government’s National Security Assessment published in February, have found a strong link between healthy nature and healthy food production. The assessment also found the UK would be unlikely to be able to maintain food security if ecosystem collapse were to drive geopolitical competition for food.