Future funding and policy, food security, and high input costs top of the agenda

An NFU Scotland delegation yesterday (8 June) completed a cross-party lobbying trip to the Scottish Parliament to highlight the critical issues impacting farmers and crofters to politicians.

Vice President Robin Traquair, Director of Policy Jonnie Hall, and Political Affairs Manager Beatrice Morrice joined President Martin Kennedy in meeting MSPs from Conservative, SNP, Labour, and the Liberal Democrat parties at Holyrood.

During the visit, the team covered the need for future funding and future agricultural policy to support active farming and crofting. Issues around food security and input costs were also tackled.

Following the visit President Martin Kennedy said: “We are looking to galvanise cross-party recognition and support for the vital role active farming and crofting can play if we are to deliver on food production – first and foremost – as well as tackling climate change and enhancing biodiversity.”

“However, as we highlighted during our visit to Holyrood yesterday, we can only do so if we are enabled to via a fully funded and targeted approach to agricultural support that underpins all enterprises and sectors. This must encompass both direct financial support based on agricultural activity, and conditional support based on practical options that work alongside farming and crofting whilst also recognising and rewarding actions already taken.”

“As Scottish agriculture shoulders its responsibilities in terms of food security and a flourishing environment, politicians and policy makers must bring about a ‘just transition’ to a new policy regime that reflects the true costs of delivery, and incentivises the productivity, efficiency, and stewardship required.” Ends.