Scots farmers gather to press Holyrood for proper funding

An estimated 1,000 farmers, crofters, and opposition leaders rallied outside Holyrood on Thursday 28 November calling for an increase in funding for agricultural support when the Scottish government announces its budget next week.

It comes amid Scottish Tory claims that farmers have been “short-changed” by the current SNP administration.

See also: Angry Welsh farmers blockade Holyhead Port

The demonstration, which saw farmers travel from across Scotland, included speeches from Martin Kennedy, president of NFU Scotland (NFUS), cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon, and Scottish Conservative Party MSPs, including Tim Eagle.

The rally follows the UK government’s decision to remove the ring-fenced budget for agriculture in Scotland, as announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Budget on 30 October.

‘Get this right’

Addressing the crowd, Mr Kennedy urged the government to “get this right”.

“I really do hope our representatives hear us. If they don’t get it right, it will be the most vulnerable that will be struggling as well as the wider supply chain.

“We need to make sure that we can continue not just producing food, but addressing climate, doing what we can for biodiversity, and supporting rural communities, because without us everything will fall apart.

© NFUS

“4 December [when the Scottish budget is revealed] is going to be absolutely critical because there is no reason that the Scottish government cannot ring-fence the funding,” said Mr Kennedy.

Block grant

The 30 October Budget in Westminster reallocated agricultural funding for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland into each region’s block grant.

This means it will now be up to the devolved administrations to decide how it is allocated, in competition with other priorities like health and education.

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, Scotland’s block grant from Westminster will include £620m previously allocated for the Agriculture and Rural Economy portfolio (ARE).

However, this amount is no longer ring-fenced, giving the Scottish government full discretion over its use.

NFUS is urging an increase in the ARE budget, in addition to the reinstatement of £46m that was previously deferred from agricultural funding.

Commitment

Ms Gougeon stated that she would not be able to outline any details of next week’s budget.

However, she told attendees: “I can reiterate the commitments made by our first minister, who gave a cast-iron commitment that the £46m will be returned to the budget for our farmers and crofters, and for the benefit of the agricultural industry.

“You are the custodians of the land; we want to work with you.”

One farmer attending the rally was Freda Scott-Park, an organic beef producer at Portnellan Farm near Loch Lomond.

She told BBC Radio Scotland that, given the squeeze on producer margins, it was essential the government delivered proper support.

“Farmers are often asked to produce cheap food, and while we understand the need, it makes it difficult to cover all our costs.

“What we’re asking the Scottish government to do is ring-fence the funds coming from the UK government for agriculture, provide an uplift, and offer security for at least the next five years, as that’s how farming works.

“We need stability due to the weather challenges and new UK legislation.

“Overall, we appreciate the Scottish government’s support for the food and drink sector, but in the last session, £46m was removed from our budget, and it hasn’t returned to farming.

“With all this uncertainty, we can’t plan or invest to ensure we continue producing quality food.”