NFU Scotland urges industry support for Holyrood rally 

NFU Scotland (NFUS) president Martin Kennedy has called on the industry to come out in force for a rally outside Holyrood this week, amid deepening concerns over the threat of inheritance tax (IHT) and budget reforms to farm businesses.

The rally is scheduled at 11.30am on Thursday 28 November, ahead of the Scottish government’s Budget announcement on 4 December, which will determine the funding allocation for Scottish agriculture.

Mr Kennedy said the sector must send a “crystal-clear” message to the Scottish government, demanding that the agricultural budget includes an increased, ring-fenced funding offer for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.

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The president’s call came after the UK government removed the ring-fenced budget for agriculture in Scotland as part of chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget announcement on 30 October.

The Budget reallocated agricultural funding for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to each region’s block grant, instead of keeping it separate. This means agricultural support will compete with other priorities, such as health and education. 

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the Scottish government will receive an increased block grant from Westminster, including the £620m previously ring-fenced for the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) portfolio.

While the £620m has been rolled over, it is no longer ring-fenced, leaving its allocation entirely at the discretion of the Scottish government.

NFUS is calling for an increase in the ARE budget, alongside the promised return of £46m, previously deferred from agricultural funding.

As a result, Mr Kennedy said the Scottish agricultural industry is facing huge uncertainty, including threats to food production, farm businesses, and the environment.

“This is a monumental time for Scottish agriculture, and we must rally to secure a budget on 4 December that not only delivers for Scottish farmers and crofters, but for the thousands of supply chain jobs that depend on them,” he said.

Mr Kennedy said the Autumn Budget announcement has sent “shockwaves” through the agricultural industry.

Inheritance tax blow

He added that the UK government’s decision to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on farm businesses worth over £1m from April 2026 was the main reason so many Scottish farmers travelled to London on 19 November for the NFU’s mass lobby of MPs and the complementary farming rally, which attracted 13,000 people.

NFUS is urging farmers, crofters, and businesses dependent on a thriving rural economy to attend the event and show their support.

Leading politicians are expected to address the Holyrood rally, and NFUS delegates from across the country will be in attendance alongside representatives from the Scottish Countryside Alliance.

NFUS is also encouraging members to contact their MSPs in advance to arrange meetings with them on the day. Speeches will begin at 12.30pm, with the rally concluding at 2pm.