Scottish farmers urged to sign up for transition roadshows

NFU Scotland (NFUS) will hear farmers’ views at a series of online and face-to-face meetings to discuss future agricultural policy.

The union is seeking opinions from farmers and crofters ahead of responding to the Scottish government consultation on its plans to transition to a new agricultural policy.

The findings and recommendations of the Farmer-led Climate Change Groups (FLGs) will be central to paving the way for legislation that will redefine farm support in Scotland.  

See also: Analysis: Farm policy gathers pace in UK devolved regions

Jonnie Hall, NFUS director of policy, said the prize of a new, properly funded agricultural support package that delivers for Scottish agriculture remains the union’s top priority.

He urged the Scottish government to “move beyond the rhetoric” and take action to deliver meaningful change for the nation’s farmers and crofters.

Climate challenge

“The challenge facing Scottish agriculture has never been clearer – tackling climate change and biodiversity loss while simultaneously contributing to Scotland’s ambitious food and drink sector targets. It is not a case of one over the others,” said Mr Hall.

“To achieve this, the Scottish government must act now to implement and deliver. Further talk or delay will inevitably lead to failure, and an unbearable cost to the rural economy and its communities as well as the environment.”

In August, the Scottish government announced the establishment of the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board (ARIOB), together with the publication of a consultation entitled Agricultural Transition in Scotland: first steps towards our national policy.

The Scottish government consultation, which closes in mid-November, also builds on the recommendations from the FLGs.

It sets out several key questions that are intended to inform wider work on the development of agricultural policy and the replacement to the CAP.

Both the consultation and the outputs of the ARIOB will directly inform proposals for a future Agriculture Bill. The bill will be introduced in 2023 to deliver a new support framework.

NFUS report launched

In July, NFUS launched its own proposals for a future support package in its report, The Transition to Future (Conditional) Agricultural Support – NFU Scotland’s Approach.

These proposals for the structure of future support distilled the concepts and principles from the five FLGs and the union’s own “Steps to Change” proposals to design a uniquely Scottish future agricultural policy framework.

NFUS’ programme of engagement with members kicks off with a national webinar at 7pm on Wednesday 13 October, to be chaired by president Martin Kennedy, including a presentation from Mr Hall.

Register for the webinar

The event will kickstart a series of meetings to be held around the country (see below).