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First Minister Meets with NFU Scotland to Discuss Budget and Other Sector Challenges

Union commits to drive forward delivery of recommendations and actions.

Earlier this week, representatives from across NFU Scotland regions, from Orkney to Dumfries, and all sector commodities - soft fruit, arable, pigs & poultry, and next generation - had a very positive meeting with First Minister John Swinney MP at NFU Scotland’s President Martin Kennedy's farm in Highland Perthshire.  Also in attendance and accompanying the First Minister was Minister for Agriculture & Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP.
The meeting, convened at the request of the First Minister's office, aimed to address key issues for Scottish agriculture and sectors arising from the Scottish Government Budget of 4 December 2024. The discussion, which lasted just under two hours, was constructive and covered a wide range of relevant topics.

Following the meeting, Martin Kennedy, President of NFU Scotland, commented on the meeting: "We had a very productive discussion with the First Minister and his team. Key issues such as the loss of ring-fence and multi-annual commitments for principal farming support budgets, the real terms decline of these vital budget lines, and the need for accessible capital grants for new entrants were all addressed. The First Minister showed a willingness to consider these issues."

Mr Kennedy continued, "We also discussed the barriers to new entrants, the power of retailers and processors, and the importance of ensuring imported agri-food products adhere to the same standards as domestic production. The First Minister committed to working with us to achieve outcomes that will benefit farming and crofting, contributing to economic growth and other objectives of the Scottish Government."

The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Scottish Government and NFU Scotland to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector and to ensure a sustainable future for Scottish farming.
 
Notes to Editors:

  • A photo of those attending the meeting is attached with release and available on request from media@nfus.org.uk

Ends

Contact Diana McGowan on 07920 018619

Author: Diana McGowan

Date Published:

News Article No.: 15/25


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About The Author

Diana McGowan

Diana joined NFU Scotland in October 2019 bringing with her over 20 years work experience in communication roles in tourism, events and forestry in both private and public sectors. She is now a key member of the Communications team and is Editor of the Union’s flagship Scottish Farming Leader magazine.

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