NFU Scotland has today warned that escalating disruption in the Middle East is rapidly developing into a domestic food production crisis, with Scottish farmers and crofters facing unsustainable cost pressures and growing risks to national food security.
Global energy markets have been severely impacted by disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices above $110 per barrel and triggering sharp increases in fertiliser costs. As fuel and fertiliser remain fundamental to food production, the consequences for Scottish agriculture are immediate and severe.
NFU Scotland says the situation risks reduced domestic output, increased farm business failure, rising food prices and long-term damage to the UK’s food security.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:
“This is not a distant geopolitical issue – it is already hitting farm businesses across Scotland hard. Farmers cannot absorb these unprecedented cost increases indefinitely. Without urgent government intervention, we will see a contraction in food production, with consequences for consumers and the wider economy.”
Across Europe, governments have already acted to support their agricultural sectors, with measures including fuel subsidies, fertiliser support and tax relief. However, no equivalent support has yet been introduced in the UK.
NFU Scotland is now calling on both the UK and Scottish Governments to take immediate action to stabilise the situation.
Immediate action required
NFU Scotland is urging ministers to introduce a targeted package of emergency measures, including:
• A targeted input support package to offset exceptional fuel and fertiliser costs, including enhanced red diesel rebates and direct fertiliser support
• Extension of energy cost relief to agriculture, particularly for horticulture and intensive livestock sectors
• Improved market oversight and transparency in fertiliser and fuel pricing
• Supply assurance measures to safeguard continuity and prioritise agriculture in the event of shortages
• Recognition of agriculture as a priority sector in any future fuel rationing scenario
Building resilience
Beyond immediate measures, NFU Scotland is calling for coordinated action to strengthen resilience, including:
• Development of a UK Fertiliser Security Strategy
• Increased investment in on-farm efficiency and nutrient management
• Stronger enforcement of fairness in supply chains to ensure farmers can recover rising costs
Longer term, NFU Scotland believes food production must be treated as a national strategic priority, including formal recognition as part of Critical National Infrastructure.
Engagement with government
NFU Scotland has written to the Prime Minister outlining these concerns. While a formal response is still awaited, the Union understands that Defra has been asked to respond on behalf of No.10, with a reply expected shortly. A request for a ministerial meeting is also under consideration.
A critical moment
NFU Scotland warns that failure to act now will have predictable consequences.
“The cost of intervention today is far lower than the economic and political cost of inaction tomorrow,” the President added. “This is about food security, affordability and resilience. Government must act decisively to support domestic production and give confidence to farmers, crofters and growers.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
• A photograph of Andrew Connon is attached
• A link to the NFUS Call for Government Action paper can be
found here