The future of Scotland’s prestigious malting barley industry hangs in the balance as farmers face unprecedented pressures from soaring costs and environmental challenges, NFU Scotland Vice President Andrew Connon warned in a landmark London address.
Speaking to the Maltsters Association of Great Britain at their annual luncheon, the North East Scotland farmer delivered a stark message about the mounting challenges threatening the £7.1 billion Scotch whisky sector.
The prestigious gathering at London’s historic Armourers and Brasiers’ Hall heard how Scottish farmers, despite producing premium malting barley crucial for whisky production, are struggling to maintain profitability amid escalating operational costs.
Rising concerns about land use competition from renewable energy projects and forestry initiatives are putting additional pressure on traditional barley-growing areas, threatening the very foundation of Scotland’s whisky heritage.
A perfect storm of challenges now faces the industry, with recent budget announcements introducing caps on agricultural property relief and increased employer National Insurance contributions, leading to what Connon describes as an “asset-rich but cash-poor” farming sector.
The crisis has prompted NFU Scotland to announce a major rally at Westminster on November 19th, where farming unions will unite to demand urgent government intervention.
Climate variability and increasing regulatory pressures are forcing farmers to adopt new environmental practices, including winter cover crops and reduced tillage, though Connon stressed these measures require substantial investment and fair compensation.
The Vice President emphasised the critical importance of maintaining access to essential farming tools like glyphosate, particularly as the industry faces mounting pressure to embrace sustainable farming methods.
Technology and innovation offer some hope, with Connon advocating for access to advanced solutions including gene editing to help secure the sector’s future.
The relationship between farmers, maltsters, and distillers must be strengthened through fair pricing and collaborative approaches to environmental challenges, Connon insisted.
Recent industry engagement has shown promising signs, with productive discussions between NFUS members and the Scotch Whisky Association demonstrating a shared commitment to securing the sector’s future.
Highland farmers take particular pride in their contribution to Scotland’s whisky heritage, though Connon warned this tradition could be at risk without immediate action to address current challenges.
The future of Scotland’s agricultural sector depends on establishing a delicate balance between environmental responsibility and economic sustainability, with Connon calling for united action across the entire supply chain.
