National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland has launched its manifesto for the 2024 General Election, stating that it will prioritise better access to skilled workers and multi-annual funding.
The manifesto was launched at West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh. It sets out specific requirements that Scottish agriculture will need to "help meet its full potential".
NFU Scotland said it was seeking clear manifesto commitments from all the main Westminster parties and is asking prospective UK parliamentary candidates to also back those asks outlined under the following five priority areas:
- 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
- Increase fiscal incentives
Martin Kennedy, NFU Scotland president, said at the launch: "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.
"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."
Kennedy continued: "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.
"It's as good as certain 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.
"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-fences and multi-annual 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. Securing these commitments from the next UK Government would take us a long way towards our goal of a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture."
NFU Scotland said it will be holding an event for MPs at Westminster on 16th April 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 asks. It said details of the event would be shared in due course.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
