Today (Thursday, 6 February), Martin Kennedy, NFU Scotland President, delivered his final address as President to a packed NFU Scotland conference in Glasgow. The Union will elect a new President at its council meeting on Friday 7 February.
In a powerful and impassioned speech, Mr Kennedy reflected on the achievements and challenges faced by the Union during his four year tenure as the organisation’s President. He issued a strong call to action for both the UK and Scottish Governments to address critical issues impacting Scottish agriculture.
Mr Kennedy highlighted the severe labour shortages exacerbated by Brexit and called for a more flexible and responsive immigration policy to support the agricultural sector. He highlighted the need for an extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa from six to nine months and the the removal of the cap on the number of seasonal workers. It followed a meeting between NFU Scotland, UK Government Home Office and Scotland Office to discuss seasonal workers earlier this week (Tuesday 4 February). See
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“The soft fruit sector alone uses about one percent of Scotland’s agricultural land but generates 16 percent of economic output,” Kennedy emphasised. “Without access to a reliable labour force and a scheme that’s fit for purpose, we risk losing one of our productive and valued sectors. The UK Government must act now to protect this vital industry.”
Addressing the devasting UK budget delivered in October, Mr Kennedy criticised the proposed changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR), Business Property Relief (BPR) and Inheritance Tax (IHT), stressing the need for consultation to ensure the proposals do not disproportionately affect family farm businesses. He called on the UK Treasury to engage in meaningful discussions with the four UK farming Unions – something they have called for but have so far received zero response.
Reflecting on the hugely successful #StopTheFamilyFarmTax rallies organised across Scotland by NFUS, Kennedy underscored the importance of continued pressure on the UK Treasury. “We need Treasury to come to the table. Its current proposals are based on outdated and innaccurate data and are hitting family farm businesses hard. This must change.”
Mr Kennedy expressed optimism about future trade negotiations but insisted on maintaining high standards in any trade deals, particularly with countries like India. He praised the UK Government’s willingness to engage with our sector on trade going forward but warned against compromising on standards. On the topic of food labelling, Mr Kennedy reiterated the need for clear and honest labelling to prevent consumer confusion and ensure that Scottish and UK products are accurately represented. He called for a collaborate effort involving various stakeholders to revamp the labelling system.
He also addressed the recent Farm Assurance Review, the importance of the Farm to Fork summit, and the need for pragmatic regulation in river and species management. He called on Scottish Government to address ongoing issues such as public procurement, fair supply chains and the proposed Galloway National Park.
“The Scottish Government must listen to the people who live and work in these areas and who depend on an economic return from the land,” he said. “Any compromise in our ability to produce food sustainably in productive areas will disincentivise investment at a time of global volatility.”
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Contact Diana McGowan on 07920 018619