Farming groups unite as ‘one voice’ on Scottish ag policy

Major agricultural groups in Scotland have collaborated to form the Food and Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce (Fast) to provide a stronger collective voice on agricultural policy and challenge the Scottish government.

The taskforce is made up of 16 founding organisations including NFU Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland, the National Beef Association, and the Agricultural Industries Confederation.

It was initially formed as a discussion group for industry to engage better with Scottish government ministers and politicians, but following some early successes, it has now been formalised as a limited company.

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Farming groups have been able to provide an input through Fast on the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill.

The bill ended stage 2 of its parliamentary passage in Holyrood on 15 May and is currently at stage 3, which involves final changes and a vote.

The group will be chaired by Neil Wilson, executive director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland.

Mr Wilson said: “We are very pleased that members of the Scottish government have in recent weeks recognised Fast as an important partner in the co-design of future agricultural policy and the Whole Farm Plan.”

He added that the taskforce aims to provide collective leadership and collaboration on common goals for the agriculture and land sector.

“We are stronger speaking together as one voice on mutual areas of concern and significance where possible,” he said.

“Not only does this allow our asks to be clearly and concisely delivered to Scottish government, but Fast also provides policymakers with a wide range of sector expertise.

“They can draw on this to help shape policy that drives rather than undermines the long-term success of agriculture and food production in Scotland.”