Scotland has set out an ambition to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture – but translating that ambition into policy requires a clear picture of where the biggest opportunities lie. Methane emissions from livestock digestion account for around 11% of Scotland's total greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle at the centre of the challenge. 

Alma Economics was commissioned by ClimateXChange to map the evidence on genetic and performance improvements in Scotland's beef sector, assess their real-world impact, and identify where policy can make the greatest difference. The research combined a rapid evidence assessment with structured stakeholder engagement, examining interventions spanning breed selection, feeding and grazing management, and lifetime productivity measures such as reduced slaughter age and calving performance. 

Our research found that a conservative package of interventions could deliver around £250 million a year to the Scottish economy – £150 million in productivity gains and £100 million from reduced methane emissions intensity – against a beef sector worth approximately £620 million in GVA. 

The research also identified real gaps in long-term monitoring and farm-level data that will need to close if Scotland is to track progress and scale what works. 

Read the full report here.