Scotland's agriculture sector is perfectly situated to contribute to Scotland's low carbon economy, it has been claimed.

The announcement comes as Richard Lochhead, Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary, launched the Agri-Renewables Strategy for Scotland.

The strategy aims to contribute to a cleaner and greener Scotland.

Within the plan, are six key areas to aid the development of renewables on farms. They include:

• Community involvement and benefits – Ensuring that local communities benefit from the generation of on-farm renewable energy.

• Skills and advice – Support available in considering renewables developments and increasing confidence to proceed with projects.

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• Planning and consents – Explains actions being taken to streamline the planning system, including online advice and guidance.

• Grid connection – Sets out the long term aim to ensure Scotland can benefit from a flexible system accommodating increased use of renewables.

• Finance and technology costs – Outlines the range of support in place to encourage growth in the agri-renewables market, and future investment and innovation.

• Research and innovation – Reaffirms our support for research and innovation in renewables, and highlights achievements and activity in this field.

Mr Lochhead said: "Scotland has massive green energy potential and in many ways leads the way when it comes to implementing and using our natural resources for our own benefit.

"Farmers and crofters have access to our nation's abundance of natural resources and are ideally placed to contribute towards Scotland's low carbon economy. I'm confident that this strategy can help them introduce agri-renewable technologies best suited to local circumstances.

"Our climate is changing and we must be ready to face and adapt to the important challenges ahead. Introducing agri-renewable schemes will not only ensure a sustainable future for the industry, but also see communities benefit from green energy generation."

(JP/IT)