The First Minister of Scotland today delivered a strong message of support for Scottish agriculture and rural communities at the National Farmers Union of Scotland’s (NFUS) Annual General Meeting in Glasgow, setting out a package of funding commitments and policy measures closely aligned with the priorities consistently raised by the Union.
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Addressing NFUS members and stakeholders, the First Minister reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to stability in agricultural funding, emphasising that there would be no abrupt changes or “cliff edges” that could undermine confidence, business planning or long-term investment in farming and crofting. He also confirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that at least 70 per cent of future agricultural funding will continue to be delivered through direct payments, alongside a clear period of policy certainty through to 2030 and beyond.
In a major boost for the sector, the First Minister confirmed £14.25 million to deliver a second round of the Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS). The funding will allow more farms and crofts to access capital support to modernise their businesses, improve efficiency and invest in climate-smart and environmentally sustainable technologies - an approach long highlighted as critical to maintaining productivity while meeting environmental goals.
“This investment reflects the need for practical, investable solutions that allow farmers and crofters to move forward with confidence,” the First Minister said. “It supports a sector that is already delivering for Scotland’s economy, environment and food security.”
Alongside this, the First Minister announced £9 million in capital support for Scotland’s food and drink sector, aimed at strengthening domestic processing capacity, supporting supply chain resilience and helping Scottish produce reach the market. The investment is intended to complement on-farm support by ensuring the wider food and drink sector can continue to add value to Scottish produce.
In addition, the First Minister acknowledged the need for a balanced and pragmatic approach to land use and wildlife policy, confirming a £1 million investment in Scotland’s Sea Eagle Management Scheme. The funding will support mitigation measures and advice for farmers and crofters in affected areas, helping to address the real and ongoing impacts of species management on livestock businesses.
“Scottish farming and crofting are central to our rural economy, our food system and our climate ambitions,” the First Minister said. “That is why it is vital that policy development continues to be shaped by engagement with those on the ground, and by measures that support both environmental outcomes and viable businesses.”
NFUS President Andrew Connon welcomed the announcements, highlighting the importance of seeing long-standing industry priorities reflected in government action.
“Today’s announcements send a strong signal that the voice of farmers and crofters is being heard,” he said. “Predictability in funding, targeted capital support and a more practical approach to species management are all essential building blocks for a profitable and resilient future for Scottish agriculture. This level of alignment gives our members greater confidence to invest, plan ahead and continue delivering for rural communities and the wider economy, but we continue to ask for direct support to remain in place until 2030 and beyond to consolidate that confidence.”
The First Minister also highlighted the sector’s wider economic importance, noting that agriculture underpins Scotland’s £19 billion food and drink industry, which supports around 130,000 jobs across the country.
The NFU Scotland AGM and conference brings together farmers, crofters and policymakers from across Scotland to discuss the future of the industry, with a strong focus on profitability, sustainability and resilience. Today’s address underlined a shared direction of travel between government and industry to ensure Scottish agriculture and rural communities remain strong, vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.