‘Farming matters’ NFU Scotland tells new SNP leader

Farm leaders in Scotland have extended an invitation to Humza Yousaf, new leader of the Scottish National Party, to join them on farm “to see first-hand the incredible job Scottish farmers and crofters are doing to sustainably produce food, tackle climate change and bolster biodiversity”.

The invite from NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy follows the announcement on Monday afternoon (27 March) that Mr Yousaf has narrowly beaten his rival, Kate Forbes, with 52% of the second vote, to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the party.

See also: Scots farmers must not face funding ‘cliff edge’, NFUS warns

“Food and drink, as the nation’s biggest manufacturing sector, directly and indirectly supports 360,000 jobs,” said Mr Kennedy. 

“It is the major driver of trade both at home and abroad that is worth billions, putting it at the heart of Scotland’s economy.

“As we debate Scotland’s future agricultural policy, we must look to put sustainable food production and our future food security front and centre.”

Impact

Speaking ahead of his election, Mr Yousaf had already expressed his support for Scottish agriculture, and his dismay at the “significant impact” leaving the EU had had on the sector.

“This was compounded by the deeply damaging Tory Internal Market Act, which was imposed on Scotland without the consent of our parliament,” he told Farmers Weekly.

Mr Yousaf said he supported proposals within the Scottish government’s new Agriculture Bill that would enable conditional payments to farmers to continue, which would ensure “tailored agriculture support throughout Scotland”.

“If elected first minister, I will support farming and food production in our rural communities and ensure continued engagement with the industry,” he added.

Promises

Following his SNP leadership victory, Mr Yousaf promised to continue pushing for Scottish independence, but said protecting citizens from the impact of the cost-of-living crisis would be his first priority.

He also pledged to improve rural housing and support small business.

Mr Yousaf is expected to be confirmed as first minister following a vote in the Scottish parliament on Tuesday (28 March).

It remains to be seen whether he will seek to re-establish the power sharing partnership with the Green Party in Holyrood, though he had spoken favourably about this in the run-up to the election.