Politicians urged to back farmers

Westminster politicians have been urged by NFU Scotland to support the future of Scottish farming, which is worth billions to the nation’s rural economy.

At a packed reception in the House of Commons, representatives from NFUS met MPs and Lords, outlining the sector’s importance and valuable contribution to national food security, the environment and the rural economy.

The union’s presidential team – Martin Kennedy, Andrew Connon, and Alasdair Macnab – had the opportunity to present what Scottish agriculture urgently needs to reach its full potential.

These requirements are clearly outlined in the NFUS general election manifesto, launched last week.

The union’s key requirements include delivering increased, ring-fenced, multi-annual funding, improving producer margins to increase food security, providing better access to skilled workers, and protecting domestic food production in future trade deals.

The union delegation used the Westminster reception to present case studies outlining the incredible importance of the sector to the wider rural businesses.

The studies explained how 12 farming and crofting businesses worked with more than 700 supply chain companies, spending more than £12.6 million with those suppliers.

Across the sector, every £1 of government-funded direct payments into Scottish farming and cropping generates £6 of agricultural output.

Speaking immediately after the Westminster reception, NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “The next parliamentary term will be pivotal for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.

“We were provided with an excellent opportunity to put the importance of Scottish agriculture front and centre in the minds of MPs and Lords from each of the Westminster main parties.

“The sector punches well above its weight when it comes to supporting highquality food production, meeting environmental challenges, underpinning rural communities, and sustaining multiple businesses and thousands of jobs.”

Mr Kennedy added: “Most policy, legislation, and regulation that directly and indirectly relate to our interests in the future prosperity of Scottish agriculture is devolved to the Scottish Government.

“However, fundamental issues, such as trade, migration, and internal market issues, are reserved for the UK Government.

“We need the commitment and the support of all prospective Scottish MPs, who should champion the interests of Scottish agriculture.

“A prosperous Scottish agricultural industry is vital to a prosperous Scotland and UK.

“We also outlined the key asks in our recently launched general election manifesto document, which will be critical in supporting a sustainable, profitable future for Scottish farming.

“We will work hard to ensure that each of our key asks is included in all parties’ manifestos as we approach the inevitable general election.”

Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, sponsored the event.

He said: “It is a pleasure to support NFUS. Farming and food production are enormously important to our country economically and at the heart of our communities.

“We have a world-leading farming sector that needs to be reflected in our politics.

“Farmers in the isles and across Scotland deserve the strongest possible voice at the heart of government.

“I hope colleagues across Parliament will have taken away the positive message from NFUS.”

ON A MISSION: Martin Kennedy with Andrew Connon and Alasdair Macnab at the Scottish farmers’ Westminster event.