Rising costs, red tape and erratic weather: Why helping Scottish farmers is a national priority
The incoming Scottish Government must recognise that agriculture really does matter – economically, environmentally and socially
Scotland’s farmers and crofters don’t ask for special treatment. But we do ask for something simple: a fair chance to do our job and a government that backs us to do it well. Because make no mistake, this is a defining moment.
Across the country, farmers are dealing with rising costs, volatile markets, unpredictable weather and increasing regulation. Yet every day, they continue to produce the food that fills our supermarket shelves, care for the environment and keep rural communities alive. That resilience is something to be proud of, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
The incoming Scottish Government has the opportunity to build greater long-term confidence in Scottish agriculture through clear, practical policies that support investment and planning.
For me, that starts with certainty. Farming is a long-term business. Whether it’s investing in machinery, improving soil health or planning for the next generation, those decisions rely on confidence. Without a clear commitment to an increased, multi-annual, ring-fenced agricultural budget, that confidence simply isn’t there. And when confidence goes, investment follows. That’s bad for farming, and bad for Scotland.
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Ensuring food security
We also need to keep support focused where it matters: on active farming and crofting. Those producing food and managing land must remain at the heart of any future support system. Change is coming, but it must be phased properly and designed with the people it affects.
Food security must move up the political agenda, quickly. Recent events have shown how fragile global supply chains can be. When they come under pressure, it’s consumers who feel it, through higher prices, less choice or disruption on shelves. Scotland has the land, skills and reputation to produce more of its own food to the highest standards, but we are not making the most of that opportunity.
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We need government to back Scottish sourcing – including public procurement targets so more Scottish food is served in our schools, hospitals and public institutions – and invest in local processing.
At the same time, the supply chain must be fairer. Too often, farmers carry the risk while others take the margin. That’s not sustainable. A fairer system isn’t just good for farmers, it builds a more resilient, transparent food system that consumers can trust.
Farms must be profitable
On climate and land use, farmers are already stepping up. We are part of the solution – cutting emissions, improving biodiversity and managing our landscapes. But government policies have to work with us: protecting productive land, supporting innovation, recognising the role of livestock, and taking a balanced, evidence-based approach to species management.
Above all, we need to be honest about one thing: without profitability, none of this works. If farming businesses aren’t profitable, they can’t invest or deliver on food production, climate targets or rural jobs. It really is that simple.
Scottish agriculture underpins a multi-billion-pound food and drink sector and supports thousands of jobs across the country. It matters – economically, environmentally and socially.
The new Scottish Government must recognise that and act accordingly. We stand ready to work in partnership to get this right, for farmers, for consumers and for rural Scotland. But we need a government that is willing to listen and willing to back its farmers.
Andrew Connon is president of the National Farmers Union Scotland
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