Rural Payments and Services

The Sustainable Farming survey is now closed.

All paper copies of the survey must be received by the Testing for Sustainable Farming (TSF) Team by Sunday 28th August.

If anyone is having issues with the survey or have any questions regarding the survey to contact the TSF team at TSF_Mailbox@gov.scot.

The National Test Programme launched in April 2022 with “Preparing for Sustainable Farming” (PSF). PSF offers financial support to farmers and crofters undertaking Carbon Audit and Soil Analysis to help prepare their farms and crofts for the future of sustainable and productive farming.

Track Two of National Test Programme has now started with “Testing Actions for Sustainable Farming” (TSF). The purpose of TSF is to design, test, improve and standardise the tools, support and process necessary to reward farmers, crofters and land managers for the climate and biodiversity outcomes they deliver.

The first phase of testing is a simple survey of multiple-choice questions to understand current awareness and experience of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. To ensure the survey results represent the breadth and diversity of farms and crofts across Scotland, a representative base of participants has already been invited to participate with a positive response from invitees.

The survey is now closed to farmers and crofters across Scotland. We want to hear from businesses in every part of the country, of all sizes and all stages of the sustainable farming journey. Even if your current awareness or knowledge is low, this survey is for you and your answers are important.

Participants who have completed the survey will be awarded a participation fee within three weeks of the survey closing date for each tranche. The participation fee will be paid directly into the bank account associated with their BRN.

Rural Affairs Secretary MairiGougeon said:

“I am delighted at the level of response so far to this key survey as part of the National Test Programme.

“This phase of Testing Actions for Sustainable Farming highlights our continued commitment to make Scotland a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

“I would encourage farmers, crofters and land managers to participate in this important programme as we develop the future of Scottish agriculture together.”

How to participate

If you have received an email invitation, simply respond to the email and you will be sent a survey link. If you haven’t received an email invitation, then you should express your interest with the delivery team by email to TSF_Mailbox@gov.scot stating your BRN.

Subject to checking your details and providing the maximum number of participants has not been reached, they will send you the link to the survey from the survey provider. Don't use someone else’s link it may result in incorrect data being collated and non-payment of the participation fee.

If you prefer, you can request a paper copy of the survey by either contacting the TSF Mailbox or your local Area Office. All paper copies will need to be returned before the 28th August. Payment of the participation fee will be made within three weeks of the end of the survey tranche you participate in.

28 August Tranche 2 Survey closes (midnight) Survey closes to invited participants (or when participant target numbers are reached, whichever occurs sooner) 28 August Final day to receive Paper Submissions

Date Invited ----------------------------- Participants ------------------------ Volunteer Participants

30 June --------------------------Tranche 1 Survey invitations issued

7 July ----------------------------- Tranche 1 Survey open

12 July -------------------------------------------------------------------- Survey open to non-invited participants

27 July --------------------------- Tranche 1 Survey closes (midnight)

1 August ------------------------- Tranche 2 Survey invitations issued

8 August --------------------------Tranche 2 Survey open

28 August ------------------------ Tranche 2 Survey closes (midnight) ----- Survey closes to invited participants (or when participant target numbers are reached, whichever occurs sooner) 28 August Final day to receive Paper Submissions

Note: It is the participants responsibility to ensure their bank details are up to date, making any updates through their RPS account or by submitting a PF3 form to their local Area Office. The Scottish Government/RPID will not ask for updated bank details over the phone.