The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland will hold a rally outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh tomorrow (Thursday, November 28), to call for an increase in funding for farmers and crofters.
Farmers, crofters, and rural stakeholders from across Scotland will gather outside Holyrood from 11:30a.m to urge the Scottish government to deliver a budget that secures the future of farming and crofting.
The rally follows the publication of NFU Scotland’s budget submission, which it said outlines a “clear case” for increased investment in agriculture and rural development in Scotland when the government announces its budget on December 4.
According to NFU Scotland, this “pivotal moment” comes as funding responsibilities for agricultural and rural policy are now “entirely devolved” to the Scottish government.
“For the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Scottish government will receive an increased block grant from Westminster, including the £620 million previously ring-fenced for the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) portfolio.
“While the £620 million has been rolled over, it is no longer ring-fenced, leaving its allocation entirely at the discretion of [the] Scottish government.
“NFU Scotland is calling for an increase in the ARE budget in addition to the promised return of £46 million previously deferred from agricultural funding,” the organisation said.
Such an increase, according to NFU Scotland, “would help maintain and expand the critical contributions of Scotland’s farmers and crofters to food security, economic growth, and climate and biodiversity goals”.
NFU Scotland’s budget submission includes the following key asks for the 2025/26 Scottish budget, which would equate to £776 million in funding for farming and crofting:
- Full rollover of £620 million. The £620 million allocated in the block grant for agricultural and rural development must be maintained in its entirety;
- Additional investment. A further £50 million, reflecting the block grant increase, should be added to the baseline funding;
- Restoration of uncommitted funds. The remaining £46 million of uncommitted funds removed from previous budgets must be returned;
- Annual contributions sustained. The Scottish government’s annual contribution of approximately £60 million to agricultural funding continues;
- Ring-fenced support. Budgetary allocations for farming and crofting must be safeguarded to ensure consistent support;
- Multi-annual funding commitments. Future budgets should include multi-annual commitments to provide financial stability for farmers and crofters.
Speaking ahead of the rally, NFU Scotland director of policy, Jonnie Hall said Scottish farmers and crofters “deserve a budget that recognises the indispensable role of farmers and crofters in Scotland’s rural and national prosperity”.
“Scotland’s farmers and crofters produce the food we rely on, act as stewards of the environment, and underpin the vitality of rural communities. This cannot be overlooked or jeopardised by inadequate funding.
“Our figures show that a modest budget increase in the agricultural portfolio would deliver a strong return on investment, fostering employment and growth in areas with limited economic alternatives while advancing climate and nature goals, he said.
Hall said that the Scottish government now has “full control” over agricultural funding, and added that the upcoming budget on December 4 is a “test of [its] commitment to Scotland’s rural future”.
