The Scottish Government is being called upon to do more to help the agriculture sector reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

A total of 50 organisations, academics and individual farmers have signed a joint letter urging cabinet secretaries Roseanna Cunningham and Fergus Ewing to give their support to farming practices that are less damaging to the climate, with the aim of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2050.

Among the 50 signatories were NFU Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and WWF Scotland.

The open letter sent earlier this week details that the farming sector currently contributes 22.5% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions – but that farmers, crofters and landowners are making contributions to carbon sequestration and storage, which are leading to carbon savings.

The letter also states that farming has the potential to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero and help Scotland develop the first carbon-neutral farming sector in the world.

Discussing the letter, executive director of Nourish Scotland and leader of Scottish Environment LINK’s Food and Farming Subgroup, Pete Ritchie, said: “We welcome this commitment from the farming sector and others to an ambitious long-term target to tackle climate change. All farmers, large and small, tenants and owners now need the support and know-how to help them deliver.”

Carbon-neutral farming systems could include a variety of benefits to the public, including flood prevention and enhanced biodiversity, as well as bringing substantial economic gains.

Speaking about the drive for support, farmer Carey Coombs said: “Scottish farmers have always been great innovators. Given the chance, they will grasp the opportunities to be at the forefront of the adoption of modern farming techniques that will integrate quality food production within balanced agri-ecological systems.”

The letter puts forward support for measures such as the creation of a nitrogen balance sheet, which would help to develop and guide evidence-based policies in order to improve the efficiency of nitrogen use.

Further support is given for investment in soils, such as the restoration of carbon-rich peatlands and the promotion of agro-forestry, which would see farmers and crofters receive additional support to help them integrate trees into their farming businesses.