Scots and Welsh Farming Unions Call for Improved Budget Allocations
NFU Scotland is urging the Labour government to align its aspirations for food security with a substantial long-term funding commitment for the agricultural sector.
Labour’s election manifesto emphasizes that “food security is national security,” making significant promises to increase food production within the UK and broaden market opportunities for British exports.
The NFUS is advocating for a budget enhancement of at least £1 billion, raising the annual UK agriculture budget from £3.7 billion to £4.7 billion, along with a notable rise in the 17% currently allocated to Scotland, which amounts to approximately £600 million.
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Jonnie Hall, NFUS policy director, underscored Scotland’s vital contributions to food production, combating climate change, and environmental management.
Hall pointed out that the Labour party, having declared in its manifesto that “food security is national security,” must translate its promises into action by allocating the required funding to support the farming industry in Britain.
He noted that national food security encompasses more than just agricultural output; it also includes fulfilling climate commitments, fostering nature recovery, and advancing biodiversity.
Farming and crofting play a crucial role in sustaining rural economies and providing jobs throughout the sector, he added.
However, Hall warned that these ambitious objectives cannot be realized without sufficient financial backing and support from both the UK government and devolved administrations.
“Our industry cannot achieve these goals without the appropriate level of funding to facilitate our efforts,” Hall stated.
He cautioned that any budget reductions could jeopardize farmer confidence and potentially lead to a contraction of the agricultural sector.
Welsh Perspectives
NFU Cymru has called for an increase in the annual agricultural budget in Wales to over £500 million, up from the current allocation of £340 million, to help farmers manage inflation.
President Aled Jones remarked, “We require a long-term financial commitment from the government so that farmers can effectively address the crucial areas of food security, climate considerations, and environmental responsibilities.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to present the Labour government’s fiscal strategy, including provisions for UK agriculture, during her inaugural Budget announcement on Wednesday, 30 October.
The UK government has yet to respond to a comment request from Farmers Weekly.
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.