Time for ‘policy reset’ as SNP and Scottish Greens part ways

Scottish farmers and landowners say the end of the power sharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Greens provides an opportunity for a “policy reset”, to set the agricultural industry on a more prosperous footing.

News of the collapse of the Bute House Agreement between the two parties came through on Thursday morning (25 April).

See also: ‘Pitiful’ policy in Scotland forcing farmers to scale back

This was in the wake of recent moves by the SNP to slow the timetable towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, as well as differences concerning gender policies, which have angered the Greens.

As a result, first minister Humza Yousaf will lead a minority government, seeking support where he can find it to push through future legislation,

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NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy welcomed the collapse of power sharing, saying the union had been opposed to the Bute House Agreement since its inception in 2021.

“Given the unique role of farming and crofting, we’ve consistently maintained that delivering on a host of climate and nature ambitions can only be achieved through a sustainable and profitable agricultural sector,” he said.

“What we want to see now is a clear commitment to backing farmers, crofters and land managers, to enable them to deliver a prosperous rural economy, flourishing natural environments, and thriving rural communities.”

He said the first test would come as the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, which paves the way for Scotland’s post-Brexit farm support policy, enters Stage 2 in the Scottish parliament.

Rural reset

Landowners’ organisation Scottish Land & Estates said the latest Holyrood upheaval provides an opportunity for a “rural reset”.

Its chief executive, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: “An end to the Bute House Agreement is a new beginning for the Scottish government.

“We now have an opportunity to take a different approach that takes into account the real priorities of people in rural Scotland and allows evidence and lived experience to lead the debate.

“We want to see more rural homes delivered; land delivering for climate and nature; a stronger rural economy; and greater food and energy security.

“Today’s fresh start must now be used as an opportunity to make all of this happen.”

‘Shameful partnership’

Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary Rachael Hamilton said rural Scotland had borne the brunt of the SNP’s “shameful” partnership with the Greens, noting the continued lack of clarity on the shape of future farm support.

“It has been nothing short of a disaster for our rural communities and those living and working there,” she said.

“The addition of the Greens to government was a further step to proving that this is a government that is central-belt focused and out-of-touch with the challenges and priorities of rural Scotland.”