The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Candidates urged to heed NFUS appeals
Scotland’s farming union NFU Scotland has set out its priorities and its five key asks for all political parties ahead of the expected general election this year.
The union launched its manifesto yesterday at West Craigie Farm near South Queensferry, asking prospective UK parliamentary candidates to back its priority areas.
These are: deliver increased, ring-fenced and multi-annual funding; improve producer margins to increase food security; better access to skilled workers; protect domestic food production in future trade deals; and increase fiscal incentives.
NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said that securing these commitments from the next UK Government would take the industry a long way towards its goal of a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture.
“We need commitments from the next UK Government, and we need the full support of all prospective Scottish MPs, who should all be championing the interests of Scottish agriculture,” said Mr Kennedy. “Covering over 74% of Scotland, active farming and crofting is key to helping to meet climate and biodiversity needs.
“In addition to producing food of the highest quality, agriculture underpins rural communities across Scotland and is at the heart of flourishing environments.
“High-quality agricultural production is vital to the wider food and drink industry – a sector that’s worth over £16 billion to the Scottish economy, employs over 130,000 people, and supports Scotland’s national reputation on the world stage.”
Mr Kennedy added that it’s as good as certain that there will be a general election this year to create the next UK Government.
“While most policy, legislation and regulation which directly and indirectly relates to our interests in the future prosperity of Scottish agriculture is devolved to Holyrood and the Scottish Government, our attention and influence must also be fixed on Westminster,” he pointed out.
“There are fundamental issues that are reserved to the UK Government, such as trade, migration and internal market issues. Top of the list is the fundamental need to deliver increased, ring-fenced and multiannual funding.
“The next parliamentary term will be pivotal for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
“This NFU Scotland General Election Manifesto 2024 sets out specific commitments that Scottish agriculture requires to meet its full potential.”
NFU Scotland is holding an event for MPs at Westminster on April 16, and will also be inviting all parties to a hustings event over the next few months to discuss and debate the contents of its manifesto points.
Details of the hustings event will be shared more widely in due course.