NFU Scotland was pleased to host a constructive and forward-looking meeting with Baroness Minette Batters in Edinburgh on Monday 15 September. The meeting centred on the ongoing Farming Profitability Review, which Baroness Batters is leading, with a final report due to be submitted to the UK Government in October.
Baroness Batters accepted NFU Scotland’s invitation to meet with the Union’s Presidential team and Board members at its head office, where she also took part in a dedicated session with representatives of the Food and Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce (FAST), chaired by NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon.
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The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for Scotland’s farming representatives to hear directly from Baroness Batters about the scope of the review, and to set out key issues facing Scotland’s agricultural sector.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said: “We were delighted to welcome Baroness Batters to Scotland. This was a timely and important meeting given the urgency of improving farm business profitability across the UK. Scotland’s farmers and crofters are delivering not just high-quality food, but vital economic, environmental and community value. However, margins remain under relentless pressure. Profitability must be front and centre if we are serious about sustainable farming.”
During the discussions, NFU Scotland highlighted the pressing challenges farm businesses face – from rising input costs and supply chain imbalances to uncertainty around future policy and support. The Union also shared its formal response to the consultation, reiterating the need for targeted interventions to drive resilience and long-term viability.
Baroness Batters expressed her appreciation for the open and insightful dialogue, noting the unique perspectives brought by Scottish stakeholders. Baroness Batters will make recommendations to government this autumn, and NFU Scotland looks forward to engaging further as the process develops.
Neil Wilson, Chair of the Food and Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce (FAST), an independent forum of 16 organisations from across the supply chain, including NFUS, working collectively on common challenges prompted by policy change, added:
“We welcomed the opportunity to be involved in this constructive exchange with Baroness Batters. Farm profitability underpins everything: from investment in innovation to the delivery of environmental and community outcomes. It's vital that this review reflects the diversity of farming systems across the UK – including the distinct challenges and opportunities here in Scotland , and any recommendations must be both practical and impactful.”
Andrew Connon concluded:
“This review comes at a pivotal moment. We thank Minette for making the trip and for listening closely to Scottish concerns. NFU Scotland is fully committed to working with her and the review team to ensure that profitability – the foundation of any sustainable agricultural future – is properly understood and prioritised.”
The Farming Profitability Review is a UK Government initiative aimed at identifying policy, market and structural levers to improve farm-level financial resilience.
Notes to editors:
- More details can be found here: Farming Profitability Review: Terms of Reference – GOV.UK
- As per the Terms of Reference, The Farming Profitability Review will be England only except where policy is reserved
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Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826