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Union Intentions Survey to Gauge Impact of Soaring Costs on Future Production Plans to Close Next Week

NFU Scotland’s latest intentions survey for farmers and crofters will close next week (10 January) as the Union seeks to assess the scale of change that unprecedented input costs and flat-lining output prices are having on business plans.

The survey, which went live on 14 December 2022, is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NFUSintentionsurveywith those taking part being entered into a free draw for a hamper of Scottish food valued at £200, sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland, which is backing the survey. Almost 150 responses have already been received.



Concrete evidence on the business intentions of the Scottish farming industry will accurately illustrate the current challenges facing farmers and crofters and how that will impact on their plans for the coming year. It will also indicate the ramifications for the wider food supply chain and the nation’s food security. The survey will be used when lobbying UK Government, Scottish Government and officials and add weight to lobbying retailers on the need for fairer pricing and equity in supply chains.

When the Union conducted its first short-life intentions survey in June 2022, it was already clear that production on Scotland’s farms and crofts was set to be scaled back as producers responded to unprecedented cost increases for key inputs. 

A combination of several factors, including the tragic events in Ukraine, has seen fertiliser and energy prices treble and prices for fuel and animal feed double. A total of 340 responses were recorded in June, with 92 percent of respondents indicating then that they had already altered production plans with the biggest reductions in output predicted to occur in livestock, pigs, poultry, and horticulture. 

Commenting on the survey, NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said: “In 2023, we will continue to put food security at the top of the political agenda. But to do that, we must have a robust evidence base to inform our discussions with politicians, stakeholders, and the wider agri-food supply chain, including consumers.

“The results in June pointed to significant ramifications for our food and drink sector and all those businesses upstream and downstream who rely on farmers and crofters. We need to know if that picture has deteriorated. Tens of thousands of jobs in the food and drink industry in Scotland are reliant on us having a critical mass of production to feed into our processing and manufacturing sector. And scores of businesses that supply to farming and crofting businesses are dependent on a thriving and productive agricultural industry in Scotland. 

“Since June, the cost pressure on all farmers and crofters, regardless of whether they produce cereals, beef, lamb, pork, milk, eggs, poultry meat, soft fruit, potatoes or vegetables has remained intense, causing high levels of uncertainty. This survey will provide an immediate snapshot of confidence levels as the farming sector enters what is certain to be an incredibly challenging 2023.” 

Supporting the survey, Sarah Millar, Chief Executive, Quality Meat Scotland, said: “Our Scottish livestock producers are facing unprecedented challenges as we move in to 2023. So, to help us understand how QMS can better support Scottish beef, lamb, and pork producers, we are supporting NFU Scotland in developing their intentions survey, targeting farmers and crofters.

 “We know through talking to livestock producers that they are facing a perfect storm of challenges. We want to hear how producers are shaping their businesses to respond to these challenges and, more importantly, how we can support the industry in these unprecedented times.”    

Ends

Contract Bob Carruth on 07788 927675

Author: Bob Carruth

Date Published:

News Article No.: 01/23


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About The Author

Bob Carruth

A dairy farmer’s son, I joined NFU Scotland in 1999 after 13 years as an agricultural journalist. Following spells as a regional manager and policy lead on milk, livestock and animal health and welfare, I became Communications Director in 2008.

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