We are producing these online resources to complement the activities in our Planning for Change programme, which we will add to throughout the year:
Watch our videos on Whole Farm Planning
Soil Association Scotland joined Robert Dale at Lochhouses Farm, near Tyninghame in East Lothian (in February 2025) for a farm walk and workshop exploring the upcoming Whole Farm Planning (WFP) requirements, and what these will mean for farmers and crofters in Scotland. Watch here:
Case studies
Soil Association Scotland case study Whole Farm Planning: Setting the Baselinewith Charles Ekin of Lumphinnans Farm in Fife explaining how he is using a whole farm planning approach to rebuild soil health and fertility, reduce the carbon footprint on his farm, and build resilience to the changing climate, particularly in the context of water management, shelter and habitat.
Soil Association Scotland case study Planning for Change: Making the Most of Whole Farm Plans with Robert Dale of Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian – looking at Lochhouses’ farming enterprises, how data is used to inform decision making, how climate impacts can impact farming operations and forward planning, how this can be factored into the WFP approach, and how features such as margins, wetlands and woodlands can be used to boost whole farm resilience.
If you missed our webinars, watch them here in your own time:
Planning for Change: What is Whole Farm Planning? With John Seed of Woodend Farm in Berwickshire, exploring what Whole Farm Plans are, what the new requirements will mean for your farm, and how you can use a whole farm planning approach to boost the resilience of your business.
Planning for Change: Holistic Benchmarking for Whole Farm Plans. With Charles Ekin of Lumphinans Farm in Fife and Sustainable Farming Advisor Rosa Holt exploring Lumphinnans’ recent soil and carbon audit results, what they mean in practice, and where improvements could be made to plan and implement a reduction in inputs and a move towards more regenerative practices.
Whole Farm Plans on Organic Farms: Crop and Livestock Focus. How organic crop and livestock management plans help organic farmers to deliver high animal welfare and embed nature-based solutions over pesticide use. Soil Association Certification Officer Marc Dunn explores what is involved in producing both plans, and how elements of each are linked to the other key areas – biodiversity, carbon, and soil – of a Whole Farm Plan.
Whole Farm Planning reports and guidance
Find out all you need to know about Whole Farm Planning in Scotland in our resource hub.
Soil Association reportPlanning for change: The role of Whole Farm Plans in the agricultural transition. A whole farm approach is key to the transition to more sustainable farming – but what does that look like on farm, and how can it be better supported by agricultural policy? In this report, we explore the concept of ‘Whole Farm Plans’, attempt to define best practice, and provide policy recommendations for UK governments.
Soil Association Exchange: Soil Association Exchange helps farmers unlock the financial benefits of regenerative land use and sustainable farming practices.
Scottish Farm Advisory Service: Advice and support responding to the Scottish Government's Whole Farm Plan. Up to £5,860 of Government funding is available for one-to-one advice through the Farm Advisory Service to help increase the profitability and sustainability of your farming business. Visit the preparing for the future page.
Agricology Podcast:In Conversation with Soil Association's Kate Still, who comes to the conversation with a whole farm approach in mind and the need to balance what farms can support to create healthy animals, healthy farmers and a healthy farm bank balance with as few inputs as possible.
