Farmers, crofters, and rural stakeholders from across Scotland rallied outside Holyrood to call on the Scottish Government to deliver a budget that secures the future of farming and crofting.
The turnout of between 800 and 1000 made the case for increased investment in agriculture and rural development in Scotland when the Scottish Government announces its budget on 4th December.
The pivotal rally at Holyrood recognised that funding responsibilities for agricultural and rural policy are now entirely devolved to the Scottish Government. For the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Scottish Government will receive a significantly increased block grant from Westminster, including the £620 million previously ring-fenced for the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) portfolio. While the £620 million has been rolled over, it is no longer ring-fenced, leaving its allocation entirely at the discretion of Scottish Government.
NFU Scotland is calling for an increase in the ARE budget, both now and for the future, in addition to the promised return of £46 million previously deferred from agricultural funding. Scottish Government is asked to back its repeated statements that the industry will not face a funding ‘cliff edge’ with categorical commitment.
According to NFU Scotland and the hundreds at the rally, a modest increase in rural funding would help maintain and expand the critical contributions of Scotland’s farmers and crofters to food security, economic growth, and climate and biodiversity goals.
The rally was addressed by:
- Ben McClymont, chair, NFU Scotland Next Generation
- Ally Brunton, chair, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs
- Cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP
- Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP
- Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Russell Findlay MSP
- Scottish Conservative Party Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Eagle MSP
- Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP
- Chief executive of rural charity RSABI Carol McLaren
An unequivocable message
Speaking at the rally, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said: “Farmers, crofters and the whole agricultural supply chain have sent an unequivocable message to Scottish Government.
“In a show of unity, the whole supply chain of those who service and supply our sector – processors, auctioneers, hauliers, agricultural suppliers, lawyers, accountants and many more - were represented in huge numbers today.
“Scottish farmers and crofters deserve a budget from Scottish Government that recognises their indispensable role in the rural and wider economy and there are thousands of jobs and businesses in the supply chain absolutely reliant on what we produce 365 days a year.
“The MSPs of all parties who have joined this rally have heard the fantastic story we have to tell on the economy, food production, climate change and biodiversity and they must recognise that in the budget on 4th December. Yes, we can and will do more, but we cannot do that if the rug is pulled from under our feet by a poor budget announcement next week.
“Scottish Parliament politicians will decide out future and that is why we are here in strength as a whole industry to make our voice heard. The unintended consequences of Scottish Government getting this wrong will collapse the rural economy and our environment will suffer.
“A modest increase in agricultural spending will future proof our industry and send out a positive message to the next generation of food producers. We want them to have a prosperous and profitable future so we can invest back into the economy and produce food to world-leading standards that we have become accustomed to.”
