Little in the Budget to affect the rural economy either way

While yesterday’s budget was “very light” on any tangible measures which would excite or energise farmers or the rural economy, there were few body blows for the sector either.

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker said that the budget statement had been a missed opportunity for the UK Government to underline its commitment to UK and Scottish food producers by introducing measures to help cope with the current uncertainties.

“Positive announcements today were few and far between but cancellation of planned fuel duty rises for petrol and diesel vehicles is welcome. As is the extension of the rural fuel duty rebate scheme for the Scottish islands to 2023,” said Walker.

Tim Price, rural affairs specialist with NFU Mutual agreed, stating that while the budget details still had to be scrutinised, it appeared that other than holding back of the fuel duty increases and the promise to increase personal allowances a move which would mean “a few hundred pounds more out of the taxman’s grasp” there was little to get excited about

English NFU president Meurig Raymond said he was disappointed to see no meaningful measures to help prepare farming businesses for life outside the EU:

“With most of the emphasis on urban growth, there is little in the way of measures to benefit rural communities”.

He said there appeared to be no major adverse implications either.