According to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland, tariff suspensions on imported food products could have “unintended consequences” for Scottish food producers.
NFU Scotland said that it recognised the pressures facing consumers but cautioned against policies that prioritised cheaper imports at the expense of domestic food production, which was a direct response to the UK Government’s Call for Input on goods being considered for cost-of-living tariff suspensions.
It said that while the products under consideration were not generally produced in the UK, NFU Scotland highlighted concerns that some could displace Scottish produce further along the supply chain.
NFU Scotland said there could be potential impacts on Scotland’s soft fruit, potato, cereals and oilseed sectors, which it said were already operating in “challenging economic conditions”.
“Policies that encourage greater reliance on imports risk undermining confidence and reducing investment in domestic production.”
NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon commented: “We recognise the need to support consumers through ongoing cost-of-living pressures, but food policy cannot be driven solely by the pursuit of cheaper imports.
“Our concern is not simply about these individual tariff suspensions. It is about the wider direction of travel. Scottish farmers and crofters are already facing rising costs, increasing regulation and significant market uncertainty. Policies that encourage greater reliance on imports risk undermining confidence and reducing investment in domestic production.”
The Union stressed that domestic food production was becoming increasingly important in a world facing climate instability, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruption.
It also warned that reducing the value of food through import policy risked sending the wrong signal at a time when Governments are asking farmers and crofters to invest in food production, climate action and environmental delivery.
Connon added: “Food security starts with a strong domestic farming sector. The lowest-cost option today may not be the most resilient option tomorrow. Government must ensure that decisions taken in the name of affordability do not weaken our ability to produce food here at home in the future.”
The Union went on to reiterate its call for greater scrutiny of food imports, stronger country-of-origin labelling and a commitment that future tariff measures will not place Scottish producers at a competitive disadvantage.
