The start of September marked the launch of the anticipated consultation and draft bill for the Food Price caps proposals which was a key manifesto commitment for the Scottish Government.

Over the summer we have engaged with the Scottish Government at length and continue this work since the proposals that have emerged, reiterating the need for the government to deliver its commitment to protect primary producers. We have convened meetings with Committee chairs and Scottish Government officials, Ministerial engagements, on farm visits and participated in wider stakeholder discussions to ensure the voice of Scottish farmers and crofters is reflected.

It’s important that the fundamentals are not lost throughout this consultation, farmers are price takers with no ability to absorb additional costs. Any policies intended to improve food affordability must avoid creating unintended consequences that could undermine domestic food production or place further pressure on primary producers. We must ensure farming businesses remain economically sustainable, and we need a viable and functioning supply chain beyond the farm gate to get our produce on consumers plates.  The consultation states that the intent would be to introduce policy interventions rather than legislative protections, which is a cause for concern. NFU Scotland is clear that protections for primary producers must be baked into any proposal to deliver the repeated assurance and ensure longevity in the protections. 

We also participated in the Fair Food Summit, which brought together stakeholders from across the food system and society to discuss food affordability, accessibility and resilience., This event highlighted that simply capping the price of essential items would not immediately alleviate the challenges facing those most vulnerable and facing poverty in Scotland today. 

Food affordability and food security must go hand in hand. Maintaining a strong domestic agricultural sector is essential to ensuring Scotland can continue to produce high-quality food, support rural communities and contribute to wider environmental objectives.

NFU Scotland welcomes the opportunity to continue engaging with the Scottish Government and stakeholders as discussions develop. We are considering our response to the consultation and will be reaching out to members for their views shortly. As work progresses, NFU Scotland will remain actively involved in discussions around food affordability, fair food and food system resilience, ensuring the interests of farmers and crofters are represented and that policy development is informed by the practical realities of producing food in Scotland.