Scottish Ag Bill must prioritise food production, says NFUS

NFU Scotland (NFUS) will submit its response to the government’s pivotal Agriculture Bill consultation next week, in which the union has made clear that food production must be central to the new laws if farming and crofting in the country is to survive.

The union will make its submission on Monday (28 November), following months of meetings with farmers and crofters across Scotland to collate a detailed response for lawmakers in Holyrood.

See also: 400 farmers rally to send message on food to Scottish government

NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall said: “Through one of the most extensive consultations we have ever undertaken, farmers and crofters across Scotland have delivered a clear message that any new policy created by the proposed new Agriculture Bill must put food production front and centre when it comes to delivering all the economic, social, and environmental benefits that all agricultural businesses will be asked to provide. 

“That message was delivered loud and clear two weeks ago, when more than 400 farmers and crofters joined the #FoodNeedsAFarmer rally outside Scottish Parliament, and their thoughts and views will be fully reflected when we send our submission to Scottish government next week on its Agriculture Bill consultation.

“It is within Scottish government’s gift to deliver a future agricultural policy for Scotland that supports active farming and crofting.

“We remind all members that the consultation period has been extended until 5 December and we would encourage all farmers and crofters to continue to make their views known by responding directly to the consultation before then.”