Cairngorms Future Farming: scenario modelling and advice

Tender description

The Cairngorms National Park Authority is seeking to appoint one or more consultants to deliver the Cairngorms Future Farming “Scenario Modelling Support Package” for farmers in the National Park. Lot 1: The Cairngorms Future Farming project supports farmers to reduce their carbon footprints and increase biodiversity on their farms, whilst improving business resilience and producing quality food. To date the project has focussed on supporting six pilot farms to trial different low carbon and high nature practices. We are now looking to support more farmers in the National Park to try similar practices by launching various Support Packages. The works described in this contract will be to deliver the Scenario Modelling Support Package. This Support Package is designed to provide farmers with more confidence to make sustainable business decisions by understanding how different management scenarios will impact profit through use of the FARMAX analysis tool. Successful consultants will have experience in: - advising livestock or mixed farmers in upland areas on sustainable business and management decisions - supporting farmers to make sustainable management changes that reduce carbon emissions, improve habitats and improve business resilience e.g., reducing inputs, different grazing management approaches (e.g., mob grazing, deferred grazing), etc. - using the FARMAX analysis tool to explore options for a farm business. Farmers from around the National Park will be selected by the Park Authority to take part in the Support Package following a competitive application process. Recruitment of farmers to the Support Package will begin in early 2026 and may be rolling, dependent on demand, through the year. The number of days work is therefore not guaranteed, and bids will be asked to provide a “per farm” quotation as well as hourly and daily rates as for a call-off contract. The contract value is the total estimated value at GBP 30,000 including VAT assuming at least 10 farms are recruited (with potential extension up to value GBP 45,000 including VAT).