The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS) has said that Scottish farmers have been “let down” by the government’s proposed budget for 2024/25.
The union said the government has failed to return a total of £61 million of withdrawn agriculture funds in the draft budget and that further “essential funding streams” were cut.
NFUS president Martin Kennedy: “NFU Scotland had requested a meeting with the first minister ahead of the budget specifically to discuss the return of £61 million in deferred convergence payments.
“There have been categorical assurances from Scottish government, repeated again in the Scottish Parliament chamber yesterday by the deputy first minister, that the money will be returned to agricultural budgets in the future.
“Without any clear timetable emerging in the budget for their return, those are simply hollow promises of ‘jam tomorrow’.”
Kennedy said the union welcomes that direct support for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). Greening and Less Favoured Areas support amount to almost £490 million.
“However, £10 million has gone from other Pillar 1 (direct) support and the Agricultural Transformation Fund, Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, Business Development and Agricultural Reform Programme have all been shaved,” he said.
“These budget cuts undermine the nation’s shared ambitions and the agricultural industry’s ability to play a full part in meeting its obligations around the production of food and drink, underpinning rural economies and communities whilst reducing emissions and enhancing biodiversity.
“Ensuring a just transition under much reduced budget will be incredibly difficult.”
Kennedy said the budget announcement was a “golden opportunity” that the government failed to take.
“However, it still has the option over the coming weeks to do the right thing and return the withdrawn funds in its finalised budget. That is what NFU Scotland will be pressing for,” he said.
