What assessment it has made of the suitability of current ecological focus area activities for farming in Orkney.

Extensive engagement ensured Enhanced Greening requirements are proportionate for farmers, crofters, and small farms.Officials commissioned academic advice to model the impact of the changes to ensure the transitional change was proportionate and deliverable.Officials worked with stakeholder organisations, including the National Farmers Union for Scotland and the Scottish Crofting Federation. This involved farmers and crofters directly through user research and workshops with advisors across Scotland, including Orkney.This collaborative approach has led to the introduction of four new Ecological Focus Area options, and updates to existing EFAs, providing greater flexibility to reflect the diversity of farming systems including local practices found in Orkney.Advisors in Orkney secured funding to analyse academic modelling specific to the islands and organised roadshows to help farmers and crofters prepare for the changes.The Greening schemes £142 Million budget supports agriculture and the environment and complements the other significant support packages that Scottish Government continues to provide in stark contrast to policies elsewhere in the UK.