Rural Payments and Services

We are looking for your views on how we can best help farmers and crofters develop their skills and knowledge.

Scotland’s agricultural sector is at the heart of our economy and rural communities. We have set an ambition for Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

Ultimately, it is Scotland’s farmers and crofters who will drive the transition to sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

We want to support them, including through the way we deliver and promote Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

What is Tier 4?

As we reform agricultural support, we are moving to a four-tier model. To find out more, read the Rural Support Plan.

The fourth tier will focus on developing skills, knowledge and capabilities, including through training and advice.

As part of this, we are exploring proposals for a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system.

This is the first time we have undertaken an extensive consultation on the detail of a future CPD system.

CPD helps people to update and maintain their skills, knowledge and expertise throughout their careers. It can also support them to achieve specific learning outcomes.

It is important to note that the proposals set out in this consultation are exactly that: proposals. We want to hear your views so we can understand whether the potential approaches meet your needs and assess the potential impacts that they may have. Only then will we make a final decision on whether to introduce a CPD system and what it could look like.

We look forward to receiving your response. Your views and contributions will help ensure our approach to skills development is practical, meets the needs of farmers and crofters, and supports the delivery of the Vision for Agriculture.

How to respond

The Consultation on CPD in Tier 4 will run from 21 September to 14 December 2026.

To respond, visit the consultation page on the Scottish Government's Citizen Space website.