NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon and Scottish Government Minister Jim Fairlie MSP took part in a packed and high-profile debate at AgriScot 2025, exploring what support and stability Scottish agriculture needs in the months ahead.
With Holyrood’s budget due in January, and the UK Autumn Budget fast approaching, Connon used the AgriScot platform to deliver a clear message: Scotland’s farmers and crofters need confidence, clarity, and commitment.
Speaking after the debate, Andrew Connon said:
“The message from AgriScot is loud and clear – Scottish agriculture needs a Budget that delivers. Farmers and crofters are stepping up on food security, climate targets, and biodiversity, but they’re doing so under intense financial pressure.”
“It’s time for the Scottish Government to deliver its side of the bargain, with a clear, multi-annual funding commitment, targeted investment through schemes like the Future Farming Investment Scheme, and a fair approach to new rules and regulations.”
Connon welcomed the uplift to the Future Farming Investment Scheme announced in October, but warned that recent frustrations over delivery risk undermining confidence. He also reiterated NFU Scotland’s opposition to proposed changes to Ecological Focus Area (EFA) rules, calling for a pragmatic, evidence-based approach that protects food production and farm viability.
NFU Scotland’s Key Asks for the Scottish Budget
At the heart of NFU Scotland’s submission for the 2026–27 Scottish Budget are five clear priorities:
- An increased agriculture budget that reflects rising costs and growing demands on the sector
- A multi-year funding commitment to give farm businesses confidence to invest
- Protection of farm support – money for farming must stay in farming
- A guarantee that at least 70% of support goes to active farming and crofting, as previously promised by the First Minister
- Delivery of the £26 million Future Farming Investment Fund, with improved targeting and transparency
NFUS is also urging the Scottish Government to amend new proposals on Ecological Focus Areas, warning that a mandatory increase from 5% to 7% in 2027 risks undermining mixed and grass-based systems.
UK Inheritance Tax reforms remain a red line
While the debate focused on devolved responsibilities, Connon also repeated NFU Scotland’s deep concerns over UK Government proposals to reform Inheritance Tax, describing them as “misguided, damaging and unfair.”
“These changes risk penalising succession, dismantling family farms and destabilising rural businesses. This is not just a technical tax issue, it’s about the long-term future of Scottish food production.”
NFU Scotland continues to work with UK farming unions and has submitted detailed objections to HM Treasury ahead of the 26 November Budget.
In closing, Connon said:
“Farmers and crofters are ready to deliver for Scotland – on food, climate, nature and rural jobs. But we can’t deliver on promises without the policies and funding to match.”
“We urge the Scottish Government to back its words with action in the upcoming Budget and give our industry the confidence to invest in the future.”
Notes to editors:
A photograph of Andrew Connon, Gilmour Lawrie and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie, MSP, at the AgriScot debate is attached.
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Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826