NFU Scotland has warned that increasing volumes of imported food and grain entering the UK market risk undermining domestic production, reducing confidence across the farming sector, and threatening the long-term resilience of Scotland's food and drink supply chain.
NFU Scotland’s
ShelfWatch data has shown that food imports have risen 5% compared to last year – particularly driven by pork, which increased 11% and soft fruits, which increased by 19%. *
Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, the Union said future trade and import policies must fully consider their impact on Scottish farmers and crofters and avoid placing further pressure on domestic producers already facing rising costs, regulatory demands and market volatility.
NFU Scotland Vice President Duncan Macalister said:
"Scottish farmers and crofters produce food to some of the highest standards in the world, but we are increasingly concerned about the volume of imports entering the UK market and the impact that could have on domestic production.
"Government must ensure that decisions on imports do not undermine Scottish producers or erode confidence in the future of our industry. Food security starts with a strong domestic farming sector."
The Union said particular concerns exist around changing global trade flows, including the potential risk of additional imported beef being diverted into UK markets, following international trade decisions elsewhere.
At a time when many farm businesses are already operating under significant pressure, NFU Scotland warned that increasing imports could further weaken domestic production and discourage future investment.
"Our members face increasing regulation, higher production standards and rising costs," said Mr Macalister.
"They are rightly asking why they should invest in the future if government policy is making it harder for them to compete. The challenges facing Scotland's pork industry illustrate this clearly. Every tonne of imported food that displaces Scottish production reduces opportunities for domestic businesses, weakens rural economies and undermines confidence across the sector."
NFU Scotland also warned of the wider consequences for Scotland's food and drink industry if domestic production continues to decline.
"This isn't just a farming issue," said Mr Macalister.
"If we weaken domestic production, we weaken the foundations of industries that contribute billions to Scotland's economy and support thousands of jobs."
The Union has urged the UK Government to ensure future import and trade decisions fully account for their impact on domestic food production, food security and rural economies. Specifically, the Union is calling on the UK Government to do the following:
- Ensure greater scrutiny of food and grain imports to ensure the equivalent production standards are upheld
- Negotiate trade policies that protect UK and Scottish farmers from unfair competition and fully and meaningfully involve the agricultural community in these negotiations
- Strengthen country-of-origin labelling requirements, close loopholes that obscure sourcing information so consumers can easily distinguish support domestic produce.
Mr Macalister added:
"Consumers deserve transparency. Shoppers should be able to see clearly where their food comes from and make informed decisions. Our research shows that 71% of Scottish consumers are more likely to buy a product if it features the Saltire on the packaging*, demonstrating the strong support that exists for Scottish produce when people can easily identify it.
"This is not about stopping imports or closing markets. It is about ensuring imports do not come at the expense of domestic production and that consumers have clear information about where their food comes from.
"Scotland needs a resilient farming sector, a secure food supply and policies that support domestic production. Future decisions on imports must reflect that reality."
Notes to editors:
- *Results drawn from May 2026 ShelfWatch Audit.
- Research was commissioned by NFU Scotland and conducted by Diffley Partnership in 2024 and found that 71% of Scottish consumers are more likely to buy a food product if it features the Saltire. The same research found that 62% of consumers consider country of origin to be important when purchasing food, while only 49% believe current country-of-origin information is adequate.
- NFU Scotland's Royal Highland Show panel discussion, Fair Supply Chains – Delivering for Farmers and Crofters, takes place on Friday 19 June and will feature Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, and Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator Richard Thompson. The discussion will explore transparency, fair returns and resilience within UK food supply chains.
- An image of Duncan Macalister is attached.
Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619