Ahead of the general election, political parties have signed up for an online meeting today (Monday, June 24) at 7:00p.m, to set out their vision for Scottish agriculture, if voted into government.
The representatives for the political parties for the event are as follows; Former Conservative MP, Luke Graham and Scottish National Party (SNP) councillor, Seamus Logan.
Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Agriculture, Remote & Rural Communities and councillor, Claire McLaren and the Labour Party spokesperson is to be confirmed.
In its manifesto, NFU Scotland outlined its five key asks of any future UK government
- Deliver “ring-fenced and multi-annual funding” to agriculture and to increase the government’s funding to the sector by an additional £1 billion;
- Improve producer margins to increase food security;
- Commit to developing and delivering migration policy that works for the rural economy, food security and worker welfare;
- Protect domestic food production by classing agriculture as a “sensitive sector” in future trade deals;
- Increase investment, tax and fiscal incentives that support agriculture and food production.
NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said as the general election is coming up it is a “crucial” time for farmers, who are “keen to work” with political parties to deliver a “sustainable and profitable” future for agriculture.
The president continued that this online hustings will provide a “unique opportunity” for farmers and crofters across Scotland to hear the parties position in relation to agriculture and rural communities.
Kennedy added:
“A commitment to an extra £1 billion for UK agriculture is underlined by both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives and the SNP.
“However, there is no mention of an agriculture budget in the Labour manifesto at all and we are disappointed at this.
“Other areas of interest across the manifestos include engagement in trade deals, increased local procurement and the importance of food security,” Kennedy said.
The NFU Scotland president said that he looks forward to hearing from the representatives on how their parties will help deliver for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
