NFU Scotland has welcomed the passing of the landmark Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill by the Scottish Parliament last night (18 June).
The Bill was passed at Stage 3 in the parliamentary process following a six-hour consideration of more than 80 amendments. NFU Scotland’s position on all amendments had been provided to MSPs in advance.
The Union believes this framework legislation is critical in that it creates the powers to enable farmers and crofters play their unique role in high quality food production, climate mitigation and adaptation, nature restoration, and sustaining rural communities.
The powers created by the Bill allow support to be provided for a number of purposes, including:
- Direct support for agriculture.
- Support for particular products or sectors.
- Food and drink production or processing.
- Support to producers under exceptional market conditions.
- Environmental management.
- Knowledge exchange.
- Animal health and welfare.
With the primary legislation in place, the next steps involve developing and implementing the new four-tiered support framework from 2026.
Speaking after attending last night’s debate at Holyrood, NFU Scotland’s Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “The Bill reflects so much of what we have pressed for over the last few years. It means we have the tools in place to implement a new agricultural support framework to enable farmers and crofters to deliver the desired outcomes around food production, biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation that only they can.
“This legislation is vital as it enables Scotland, in a post-Brexit, post-CAP era, to develop its own approach to future policy and support.
“We have been clear from the start; the Bill must have flexibility and scope to deliver for farmers and crofters across Scotland and much of what we sought is included is in the Bill.
“A profitable, sustainable agricultural industry is key to Scotland’s ambitions and having the powers to deliver the right support is crucial. Powers are one thing; it is how those powers are used that matters most.
“With the primary legislation in place, the task of developing and implementing the new support framework can really begin. Getting this right is critical.
“Farmers and crofters must be recognised and rewarded for actions they take, and incentivised to enable change to improve the resilience, efficiency and profitability of the agriculture sector. Only then will the outcomes we all want be delivered.”
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006