Union’s budget submission lays out case to be presented when industry gathers outside Holyrood on 28 November
Farmers, crofters, and rural stakeholders from across Scotland will gather outside Holyrood on Thursday 28 November to urge the Scottish Government to deliver a budget that secures the future of farming and crofting.
The rally follows the publication NFU Scotland’s budget submission, which outlines a clear case for increased investment in agriculture and rural development in Scotland when the Scottish Government announces its budget on 4 December.
This pivotal moment comes as funding responsibilities for agricultural and rural policy are now entirely devolved to the Scottish Government. For the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Scottish Government will receive an increased block grant from Westminster, including the £620 million previously ring-fenced for the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) portfolio. While the £620 million has been rolled over, it is no longer ring-fenced, leaving its allocation entirely at the discretion of Scottish Government.
NFU Scotland is calling for an increase in the ARE budget in addition to the promised return of £46 million previously deferred from agricultural funding.
According to NFU Scotland, such an increase would help maintain and expand the critical contributions of Scotland’s farmers and crofters to food security, economic growth, and climate and biodiversity goals.
NFU Scotland’s budget submission includes the following key asks for the 2025/26 Scottish Budget:
- Full Rollover of £620 Million – The £620 million allocated in the block grant for agricultural and rural development must be maintained in its entirety.
- Additional Investment – A further £50 million, reflecting the block grant increase, should be added to the baseline funding.
- Restoration of Uncommitted Funds – The remaining £46 million of uncommitted funds removed from previous budgets must be returned.
- Annual Contributions Sustained – The Scottish Government’s annual contribution of approximately £60 million to agricultural funding continues.
- Ring-Fenced Support – Budgetary allocations for farming and crofting must be safeguarded to ensure consistent support.
- Multi-Annual Funding Commitments – Future budgets should include multi-annual commitments to provide financial stability for farmers and crofters.
In total, these measures would equate to £776 million in funding for farming and crofting in the 2025/26 budget.
NFU Scotland Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “Scottish farmers and crofters deserve a budget that recognises the indispensable role of farmers and crofters in Scotland’s rural and national prosperity. Our contributions span from producing high-quality, sustainable food to driving socio-economic growth in rural areas and tackling climate and biodiversity challenges.
“Scotland’s farmers and crofters produce the food we rely on, act as stewards of the environment, and underpin the vitality of rural communities. This cannot be overlooked or jeopardised by inadequate funding.”
“Our figures show that a modest budget increase in the agricultural portfolio would deliver a strong return on investment, fostering employment and growth in areas with limited economic alternatives while advancing climate and nature goals.
“The Scottish Government now has full control over agricultural funding. The upcoming Scottish Budget on 4 December is a test of their commitment to Scotland’s rural future.
“Scottish Government has previously assured farmers and crofters that there would be no “cliff edge” during the transition to a new support framework under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024. Delivering on our budgetary is critical to fulfilling these assurances and enabling the sector to deliver on its potential.
“That is why we are calling on all farmers and crofters and all those from industries upstream and downstream to rally outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 28 November 2024. Our farmers and crofters are ready to deliver for Scotland, but they need the financial backing to do so. The time for Scottish Government to act is now.”
Notes to Editors
- NFU Scotland is calling on farmers, crofters and those representing the supply chain to rally outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 28 November to call for Scottish Government to deliver a budget on Wednesday 4 December that secures the future of farming and crofting. Media are invited to attend. For further details contact media@nfus.org.uk
- A copy of NFU Scotland’s full submission to Scottish Government on what it needs the budget to deliver is attached.
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006