Scots farm leaders welcome new first minister John Swinney

Scottish farm leaders have congratulated John Swinney on becoming the seventh first minister for Scotland, and vowed to work together to strengthen the agricultural industry.

Mr Swinney, 60, was elected as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on 6 May after no other candidates were put forward.

His term as first minister for Scotland started on Wednesday 8 May after incumbent Humza Yousaf formally resigned a day earlier.

See also: Time for ‘policy reset’ as SNP and Scottish Greens part ways

Farming and crofting organisations said they look forward to working with Mr Swinney, deputy first minister Kate Forbes and his new Cabinet to improve future prospects for the agricultural industry in Scotland.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said: “I congratulate John Swinney MSP on his appointment. 

“He is a politician that NFU Scotland has worked well with both nationally and locally over many years.

“The first minister, coming from a rural constituency, is well aware that agriculture underpins rural communities across Scotland and is at the heart of flourishing environments.

“High-quality agricultural production is vital to the wider food and drink industry – a sector that is worth more than £16bn to the Scottish economy, employs over 130,000 people, and supports Scotland’s national reputation on the world stage.”

SLE reaction

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of landowners’ organisation Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We hope a change in leadership brings the opportunity for rural Scotland, its communities and businesses to have a greater voice in rural policymaking.

“We have worked with Mr Swinney during his past roles in Cabinet and we look forward to a pragmatic, evidence-based approach in the coming years under his direction.

“Between land reform, the Agriculture Bill shaping future farming subsidies, changes to deer management, a new Housing Bill and various other issues such as natural capital, forestry and peatland restoration, there is substantial change on the horizon. 

“We were pleased to hear his stated focus on the economy and jobs – land-based businesses want to work positively with the Scottish government and we hope the new first minister will enable that to happen.”

Power-sharing collapse

Mr Yousaf resigned four days after the power-sharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Greens collapsed amid a bitter row over climate targets.

Explaining his decision to end the Bute House agreement with the Scottish Greens, Mr Yousaf said it had “served its purpose” and was “no longer guaranteeing a stable arrangement in parliament”.

But Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs minister Rachael Hamilton MSP accused Mr Yousaf and the SNP of “an overwhelming failure to deliver any future clarity for our farmers on what future support will look like”.

NFU Scotland outlines farming priorities

NFU Scotland has wasted no time in setting out its demands for a better farm support policy, writing to new first minister John Swinney on his first day in office.

The union has stressed the need for agriculture to be part of the government’s growth agenda, while seeking an enhanced budget on a multi-annual basis.

For £550m in public support for agriculture, the sector delivered £3.3bn in Scottish agricultural output, said the letter.

The union says these recommendations are needed for a “profitable and sustainable agricultural sector that underpins the future prosperity of Scotland”.

NFU Scotland has also requested an opportunity to meet with the first minister.