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Following the announcement of plans to explore a potential food price cap, and months of engagement and lobbying with the Scottish Government and supply chain partners, NFU Scotland has submitted a pre-consultation briefing setting out key concerns and questions around how any future proposals could impact farmers and crofters.
What is NFU Scotland asking for?
The briefing follows initial discussions with Minister for Business and Fair Work Tom Arthur MSP and Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Islands, Jim Fairlie MSP.
While the Scottish Government has not yet brought forward formal proposals, NFU Scotland is engaging early to ensure the interests of farmers and crofters are considered as policy options are developed.
The Scottish Government has provided assurances that primary producers will be protected and that the policy will be designed so that costs will not be passed back down the supply chain. NFU Scotland is therefore working hard to ensure this commitment is delivered and is seeking clarity on how these protections would work in practice and what economic assessment would underpin any future proposals.
Why does this matter for farmers and crofters?
Farmers and crofters are price takers, meaning they have limited ability to influence the prices they receive for their products. At the same time, they continue to manage significant pressures from rising input costs, unpredictable weather, labour challenges and market volatility.
Any measures designed to address food affordability must recognise the reality of food production. Without robust safeguards, there is a risk that costs could be pushed further down the supply chain, placing additional pressure on businesses already operating in challenging conditions.
What happens next?
Scotland’s food security depends on maintaining a strong and sustainable farming sector. Policies that reduce returns to farmers, discourage production or increase reliance on imports could weaken Scotland’s ability to produce high-quality food, support rural communities and deliver wider environmental benefits.
Addressing food affordability requires action across the whole food system. Retailers, processors, public procurement and local supply chains all have a role to play in supporting affordable food while ensuring farmers and crofters receive a fair return.
NFU Scotland continues to monitor retailer support for Scottish produce through ShelfWatch, while initiatives such as the Good Food Nation agenda and Community Wealth Building provide opportunities to strengthen local supply chains and retain more value within rural communities.
NFU Scotland will continue to engage constructively with the Scottish Government to ensure any proposals protect farmers and crofters, avoid unintended consequences and support a profitable and resilient future for Scottish agriculture.