The introduction and uptake of alternative crops in Scottish agricultural systems may bring opportunities to meet net-zero or biodiversity targets as well as enabling the diversification of rotations, improved soil health or access to alternative markets. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the potential plant health benefits/opportunities or, conversely, risks to plant health arising from the cultivation and exploitation of new and emerging novel crops in Scottish agriculture. Extended rotations may reduce plant health risks to other crops in the rotation, however risks could include the accidental importation of plant pests and pathogens, or very limited control options for known pest and pathogen problems associated with the crop in question.

A systematic framework for how to conduct risk/benefit analyses on emerging novel crops in Scotland would allow plant health risks and benefits to be considered before widespread uptake, and any mitigation strategies implemented at the earliest stage. Current and predicted examples of emerging crops in Scotland include hemp, rye, beet, flax, cover crops and novel legume and vegetable crops. Many of these examples are currently relatively low-input crops when it comes to the use of plant protection products but there may be parallels and lessons to be learnt from considering the uptake of crops, like oilseed rape or rye which are now well established in Scotland, but where pest and disease burdens have increased steadily from the point of introduction.

This project will create a systematic framework for the evaluation of plant health risks and benefits for emerging / novel crops in Scottish agriculture and will be suitable for use when considering the introduction of species in the natural environment, horticulture and forestry sectors.



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Upcoming major changes to agricultural policies in Scotland could have significant impacts on crop health (and by extension, crop yields). There is an urgent need, before the agricultural policy reforms are finalised, to review options and identify those that maximise plant health benefits, and those where risks to plant health might be enhanced, in order to consider any mitigations or best practice recommendations that could be put in place.

This project will: (i) Review the evidence (including the scientific and grey literature and existing data) to identify the plant health impacts of the proposed measures within agricultural reform, with reference to Scotland’s key crops and the likely uptake of measures; (ii) Identify potential regulatory options (statutory, basic or enhanced) that could pose an emerging risk for plant health and biosecurity in the context of likely uptake of measures; (iii) Hold a stakeholder workshop to co-design best practices guidance to mitigate plant health risk whilst delivering biodiversity, climate and wider environmental goals and (iv) raise awareness of plant health risks associated with the proposed measures and disseminate best practice guidance to mitigate risk.

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The use of pesticides to manage plant pests and diseases is a key management intervention across plant health sectors, particularly in agriculture, horticulture and commercial forestry production. Pesticide withdrawals through legislation, coupled with resistance development, and their impact on plant health have emerged as key concerns for Scottish plant health stakeholders. There is an urgent need to quantify the impact on Scottish plant health that will arise from pesticide withdrawal scenarios and to set this in the context and time frame of alternative management tools. This will be used to inform recommendations on pesticide strategy at the Scottish, UK and EU levels going forward. A synthesis report of available information is required to identify products at risk and work through scenarios for the plant types, pests and diseases of importance in Scotland. This will be a project where cross-sectoral dialogue between the plant health sectors of agriculture / crop production, horticulture, forestry and the environment will be necessary. The project will review existing information and a key output will be summary recommendations appropriate for use by policy makes. The bid must include time to engage with in cross-sectoral dialogue and with Scottish Government staff to discuss and progress early drafts.

Impact: Improved understanding of costs and benefits of pesticide use across Scottish sectors and an impact analysis for the most likely withdrawal scenarios such that key gaps can be identified and their impact quantified in order to inform pesticide policy.