NFU Scotland has been at this week’s Labour Party Conference in Liverpool to press UK Government ministers and politicians on the issues facing Scotland’s farmers and crofters, including rising input costs, inheritance tax, and imports.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon, Director of Policy Jonnie Hall and Beatrice Morrice Head of External Affairs have been in Liverpool for the conference, using a series of meetings and events to highlight the pressures facing Scottish agriculture and set out the Union’s priorities for the UK Budget.
A key focus has been the growing concern around imports and the potential impact of UK trade and food policy on domestic producers. NFU Scotland has written to the UK Government to underline its concerns and will continue to press for action to ensure Scottish and UK producers are not placed at a disadvantage by imported food produced to different standards or under different production conditions.
The delegation also made the case for the priorities set out in NFU Scotland’s submission ahead of the UK Budget, including the need for Government to fully reverse the 2024 changes to inheritance tax for farmers and provide the right conditions for investment and continued domestic food production.
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Input costs are a huge concern, with farmers continuing to face significant costs across areas including energy, fuel and fertiliser. NFU Scotland highlighted the need to continue the cut in red diesel duty beyond of end of December, as well as urging for a delay in the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) which is due to be implemented in January 2027.
During the conference, NFU Scotland representatives met with a wide range of MPs, MSPs and UK Government Ministers, including Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for DEFRA Dame Angela Eagle MP, DEFRA Minister Stephen Morgan MP and Scotland Office Minister Melanie Ward MP.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:
“We have had a large number of constructive conversations with Ministers, MPs and MSPs in Liverpool and have been clear about the pressures facing Scottish farming.
“Farmers and crofters want to continue producing high-quality food here in Scotland, but they need a policy and trading environment that supports domestic production rather than making it harder.
“We will continue to engage with UK Government and politicians across all parties to ensure the priorities of Scottish agriculture are understood and acted upon.”
The conference has also provided an opportunity for NFU Scotland to strengthen relationships with political representatives and ensure that the interests of Scotland’s farmers and crofters are understood as key decisions on the UK Budget approach.
NOTES TO EDITOR
- An image of Andrew Connon is attached.
- A photograph of Jonnie Hall, DEFRA Minister Stephen Morgan MP and Andrew Connon at the conference is attached.
- You can read NFU Scotland's budget submission here.
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Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619