The project, led by PhD student David Bryan of the University's Faculty of Natural Sciences, showed that the majority of farmers in Scotland care strongly about the environment and are keen to support initiatives that reward them for managing their land in ways that support nature and the climate.

However, it also found that many face practical and financial barriers that prevent them from taking part; with financial risk, confusing guidance and a lack of flexibility ranked as the top concerns.

Scotland's farming sector is undergoing the biggest reform in a generation. The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 replaces EU-era subsidies with a new four tier system designed to deliver food security, support rural livelihoods, and tackle the climate and nature crises.

The study identified the key issues that deter farmers from participating, including:

The findings are already informing discussions with policymakers about Scotland's agricultural transition.

Study lead, David Bryan, hopes that the research will help to reshape policy - making it easier for farmers to sign up for schemes that support climate resilience and biodiversity across rural Scotland.

He said: "These insights come at a crucial time as Scotland reforms its agricultural support system. The findings help policymakers understand what works and what doesn't for farmers on the ground, ensuring the new support framework is inclusive and effective.

"By identifying clear, evidence-based ways to improve participation, the research supports Scotland's ambition to lead in sustainable, nature-positive farming."

In the Scottish Government framework, Tier 1 provides baseline payments for all farmers who meet basic environmental and animal welfare standards. Tier 2 rewards farmers for adopting greener and more ambitious practices, such as reducing tillage, protecting soils, and creating wildlife habitats.

Tier 3 builds on the existing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) by funding targeted environmental projects under longer-term agreements. Tier 4 offers training, advice, and support networks to help farmers build knowledge, share best practice, and collaborate through local clusters.

The study recommends empowering farmer-led support by expanding Tier 4 to fund clusters led by farmers for training and advice. It also calls for Tier 2 payments to be made universally accessible and outcome-based, ensuring that farmers have flexibility in how they meet their environmental objectives.

Further recommendations include optional contract lengths, regional adaptation of scheme design in Tier 2 and a simplified application process, modelled on England's Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme.

Bryan continued: "If the recommendations are adopted, farmers will face less red tape, more flexibility, and stronger local support networks. This could increase participation in environmental schemes, improving biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience across rural Scotland.

"A more effective system benefits everyone: farmers, communities, and the environment, by ensuring public investment delivers meaningful outcomes for nature and society."

The study used a co-designed national survey developed in collaboration with farmers and advisers. Conducted in 2024, it gathered responses from 80 participants across Scotland.

The survey explored attitudes to agri-environmental schemes, including perceptions of risk, flexibility, information access, and social support. Responses were collected online and in person at agricultural shows, markets, and through farming networks to ensure diverse representation.

Enhancing participation in agri-environmental schemes (AES): A Scottish case study was funded by the Scottish Government's HydroNation Scholars Programme. Research was supported by the Scottish Farm Wildlife Advisory Group (ScotFWAG).