NFU Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to make an unequivocal commitment to a multi-annual and increased funding settlement for Scottish agriculture, warning that without it, the future of food production, climate progress, biodiversity and rural communities is at risk.
Following the UK Government’s Spending Review, which confirmed an average of £50.9 billion per year for Scotland over the next three financial years, NFUS insists there is now no barrier to the Scottish Government delivering on its repeated promises to properly support farmers and crofters.
President Andrew Connon said:
“This is a defining moment. The Scottish Government now has a clear line of sight on its budget, and with that comes the responsibility to stand by Scottish agriculture.
We are being asked to deliver more than ever: to produce food, drive climate action, support biodiversity and sustain rural jobs. That ambition must be matched by a firm, three-year commitment to funding - with a real terms increase.”
At a time when farmers and crofters are expected to deliver more public goods through enhanced conditionality in future support schemes, NFUS warns that a failure to back that shift with predictable, increased budgets would be both short-sighted and damaging.
“This isn’t just about farm finances, it’s about national outcomes,” Connon added.
“Scotland’s climate and nature goals, our food security, and the future of rural areas all depend on productive, sustainable farming. But if funding continues to decline in real terms, we’re heading toward a cliff edge.”
NFU Scotland is urging ministers to:
- Deliver a three-year financial commitment to agricultural support in line with the UK Spending Review.
- Increase farm support in real terms to reflect inflation, added conditionality, and rising delivery costs.
- Maintain transparency and ringfencing of agriculture budgets to protect spending from wider cuts.
With inflation, climate adaptation costs, supply chain volatility and interest rates all pressuring farm incomes, NFU Scotland argues that a multi-annual, enhanced funding package is not just desirable, it is essential.
Andrew Connon continued “We are asking for the certainty that every other industry expects - the ability to plan, invest, and deliver on the commitments that we’ve been tasked with. Farming needs stability to succeed.”
NFU Scotland will continue using the Royal Highland Show to press for clarity and commitment, to secure long-term confidence for farmers and crofters and to protect the many benefits Scottish agriculture delivers for everyone.
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Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826