Scottish farmers seek funding clarity after SNP minority win

Scotland’s farming leaders have called for clarity on agricultural funding and rural policy after the SNP fell short of a majority in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, leaving John Swinney to govern as head of another minority administration.

The SNP remained the largest party, winning 58 seats – six fewer than in 2021 and seven short of the 65 required for an overall majority.

Scottish Labour and Reform UK were tied in second place with 17 seats each, while the Scottish Greens secured 15 seats. The Conservatives won 12 seats, followed by the Liberal Democrats with 10.

See also: Scottish elections: Swinney vows fast action on food cap

The result leaves the Scottish government facing immediate negotiations over future budgets and legislation, including support for farming and crofting communities, against the backdrop of a projected £5bn fiscal “black hole” over the next five years.

First minister Mr Swinney said his party had “emphatically” won the Holyrood election which gave him a lot of joy. 

He said he hoped to “enjoy a more co-operative relationship” with the UK government when he returns to Holyrood.

It remains unclear whether the SNP, supported by the pro-independence Scottish Greens, would move to push for a second referendum on Scottish independence.

“Scotland’s farmers and crofters are central to the nation’s food security, climate ambitions, rural economy and environmental stewardship,” he said.

“A profitable farming sector is essential if Scotland is to deliver on food production, climate goals and thriving rural communities.

“NFU Scotland stands ready to work in partnership with the new government and MSPs to help deliver that future.”

£660m funding pledge

Ahead of the election, the SNP pledged £660m a year for farming and crofting support schemes, but with no party in overall control, future agricultural funding and environmental policy are likely to depend on cross-party agreements.

Eleanor Kay, senior policy adviser at Scottish Land & Estates, said the first 100 days of the new parliament would be critical for rural policy.

“From food price caps and funding pledges to the usual commitments to cut red tape and let farmers farm, the voice of rural Scotland can have a real bearing on what the parliament will deliver,” she said.

“We want to see a policy environment that helps rural Scotland thrive.”

Record fifth term

The SNP’s victory extends its time in office to a fifth consecutive term, but the lack of a majority raises fresh questions over how first minister Mr Swinney will pass budgets and key legislation at Holyrood.

Senior SNP figures, including farming minister Jim Fairlie and housing minister Màiri McAllan, held their seats, providing continuity in key rural portfolios.

The election also saw gains for the Greens and Liberal Democrats, while Reform UK emerged as a significant disruptive force across parts of Scotland.

By contrast, both Labour and the Conservatives, in particular, suffered losses.

Political commentators have largely ruled out another formal coalition with the Scottish Greens after the collapse of the parties’ previous power-sharing agreement in 2024, making issue-by-issue negotiations more likely.