NFUS pressing for clarity over policy

The farmers’ union is stepping up pressure on the Scottish Government to provide more detail on future agricultural policy.

NFU Scotland (NFUS) has opened an online survey on the Agriculture Bill consultation, which was launched two weeks ago, and it will also hold an online seminar for members later this month.

NFUS points out that proposals for the Bill relate solely to primary legislation which will set the highlevel powers that subsequently allow for more comprehensive secondary legislation to provide details, such as the specifics of schemes and measures around eligibility, options and payment rates.

The industry has been highly critical that the detail so many farmers and crofters need if they are to plan for and implement change were not part of the consultation process and the union continues to push the Scottish Government to put potential eligible support options into the public domain.

NFUS director of policy, Jonnie Hall, reminded members that the Bill will not set policy.

“The Scottish Government consultation on a new Agriculture Bill is a critical step on the road to a new agricultural policy towards fundamentally

changing how farming and crofting will be supported to deliver on a new policy agenda. But it is by no means the final step – far, far from it,” he said.

“The Bill is essential in that it will create the powers that are required to deliver future support from 2025 – not least in terms of future support payments.

“It remains hugely frustrating that the Scottish Government has yet to set out any clear options as to how any new powers created by the new Bill can best be used to underpin active farming and crofting and put food production at the heart of delivering all of the economic, social and environmental benefits that businesses deliver across Scotland.

“Only with the buy-in of farmers and crofters can the dry legislation of a new Agriculture Bill turn policy objectives into practices the outcomes of which deliver for food, climate and nature, and that is why their responses to this survey are so vital.”

The online survey on the consultation can be found at: https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ AgricultureBill and the online seminar, chaired by union president Martin Kennedy, will take place on September 29 at 7pm.

To register go to https:// us02web.zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN cD02QnpzRDGOxv MkR96PUA

HOW THE LAND LIES: The NFUS is keen to open up more debate over Scotland’s future agricultural policy.

NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall.