Pioneering environmental baselining pilot gets underway

The first measurements of a pioneering environmental baselining pilot for agriculture start this month, with 170 farms from across Scotland, England and Wales chosen to take part.

The project, launched by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), with support from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) aims to measure the positive environmental impact of farms across Great Britian.

Specialists Bluesky will be carrying out light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning using a plane or drone which will be used to estimate above-ground carbon stocks and provide run-off water maps.

Travis Mayne from Bluesky, said: “LiDAR scanning provides detailed and accurate terrain data by measuring the height of both the terrain and any above-ground features such as hedges and trees.

“The range and depth of the data is a unique aspect of the Environment Baselining Pilot, presenting the 170 farms with information about their land which will bring new insights into its environmental value and impact.”

Involving beef, lamb, dairy, pork, cereals and oilseeds producers farming on a wide range of soil types and landscapes, the final 170 represent the diversity within British farming. AHDB is investing £2.5m in the pilot. QMS is funding the beef, lamb and pork activity in Scotland, with an investment of £375,000.

Duncan Macalister from Glenbarr Farms in Kintyre said:

“This is a subject that farmers need to understand better. We’re looking forward to getting data on the carbon in our soils so that we can understand how we produce cattle and sheep as part of the carbon cycle. Building our knowledge through this project will help us to make better use of the environment on farm and help our farm and our industry thrive for future generations.”

The long-term vision is to create the opportunity for a nationwide standardised data set across the beef and lamb, cereals and oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors, that brings integrity to the industry and enables more accurate reporting of emissions and the environmental impact of agriculture.

Tom Gibson, Director of Business Development at QMS, said:

“35 farms across various regions in Scotland are represented as part of this landmark pilot offering farming businesses accurate insight into their net carbon position, including carbon sequestration potential.

“The LiDAR scanning is a critical initial step to unveiling the real environmental benefits and net zero progress of the farms taking part as well as the broader British agriculture sector.’”

Further measurements to build the environmental picture of participating farms will continue in 2025 and will include soil carbon and nutrient testing, and a carbon audit.