Scotland’s farmers need our support, not warm words

With the Royal Highland Show in full swing, you can expect to see a string of politicians turning up at Ingliston photocalls over the next few days.

It is a good look for all parties to pledge their support to rural communities, and recognise the vital contribution agriculture makes to Scotland’s economy. But while this engagement with the sector will be welcomed, what farmers actually want are fewer warm words and more firm action.

The NFU Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to make the next parliamentary term one focused on delivery, warning that farmers and crofters cannot invest, plan or grow their businesses with confidence until there is greater certainty about how the future agricultural support framework will operate.

They point out that expectations on the sector continue to rise, with farmers and crofters expected to produce food, strengthen food security, tackle climate change, restore nature and support rural communities.

Agricultural support represents less than one per cent of the Scottish Government's overall budget, despite farmers being expected to help deliver some of Scotland's biggest priorities, they say.

NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon says:  "Farmers and crofters want to invest, innovate and play their part in delivering Scotland's ambitions.

"But ambition alone will not deliver results. The industry needs certainty, practical support and investment that matches the expectations being placed upon it.”

We cannot take our farmers and crofters for granted. Properly supported, they are the backbone of the economy and will power growth. Neglected, and we gradually lose one of our main industries.

We hope John Swinney enjoyed hit visit to the Royal Highland Show, it truly is a special event.

But most of all, we hope he was listening to the people he met there. Now is the time for the Scottish Government to turn warm words into solid support.