National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland has urged Government to use the 2026-27 Budget to deliver an increase in investment in agriculture.
It called for around a £90 million uplift to “support growth, resilience and transition” across the sector.
NFU Scotland labelled agriculture as the “foundation of Scotland’s £19 billion food and drink industry”, and said it was a “vital economic engine” for the country, supporting jobs, driving exports and enabling the production of high-quality food at home.
The body warned that without increased support and a continued real terms cut, the sector cannot meet the growing demands placed upon it, whether in delivering food safety, climate and nature targets, or sustainable rural employment.
NFUS president Andrew Connon stated: “Farming is the first link in a globally renowned food and drink sector. With the right support, we can grow the economy, drive exports, secure food supply chains and deliver on climate and nature goals. But the current funding model isn’t keeping pace with expectations or inflation. This Budget must change that.”
NFU Scotland’s submission also sets out how increased funding will reportedly deliver returns for Scotland. Farmers and crofters are not just producers, said NFU Scotland, they are employers, land managers and economic enablers. The return on investment is “significant”, said the body. Every pound invested in agriculture generates around £6 in output, with farms spending millions annually across thousands of local businesses in rural supply chains. NFU Scotland found that sustaining that economic activity, particularly in “fragile and remote areas”, requires consistent support.
At the same time, domestic production reduces reliance on imports and prevents the offshoring of Scotland’s environmental responsibilities. With over 70% of Scotland’s land under their care, farmers and crofters are uniquely placed to help meet national climate and biodiversity goals. NFU Scotland stressed that they cannot do it alone.
Connon added: “Investing in farming is not a cost, it’s a catalyst for wider economic, environmental and social return. If Scotland wants food security, climate delivery and rural prosperity, then it must put agriculture at the heart of its economic strategy.”
NFU Scotland’s key Budget asks include:
- A £90 million uplift to the Agriculture and Rural Economy
- Multi-year funding certainty to unlock long-term investment
- Ring-fencing to protect agriculture budgets from dilution
- Guarantee that at least 70% of funds go to direct support during transition
- Delivery of the £26 million Future Farming Investment Scheme
