Farmers and crofters from across Scotland gathered at Holyrood this week to shine a bright light on the power of sustainable agriculture.
Hosted by NFU Scotland, the event brought together more than 25 MSPs alongside voices from the land, including young farmers, crofters and rural leaders, to share what farming really means for the country’s future.
Under the theme Sustainability in Scottish Agriculture, the evening served as both a celebration and a call to action, reminding those in power that Scottish farming is not only feeding the nation but also fighting climate change, protecting wildlife and keeping rural communities alive.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon struck a clear and passionate tone, championing the efforts of farmers to produce top quality food while nurturing the environment and supporting jobs from the Borders to the Highlands.
But his message came with a plea.
Our members are doing everything asked of them, he said, but they need the right tools to keep going, including long term policies, fair markets and a government that stands with them.
At the heart of the reception was the belief that farming is not just part of the solution, it is central to it.
That means ensuring supermarkets and ministers give Scottish produce a fair shot, especially after a year of campaigning through NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch initiative, which exposed how often local food is overlooked on the shelves.
It also means pushing for legislation that works with farmers, not against them, including new rules around land reform and biodiversity.
In a packed room at Parliament, the conversations were open, honest and energised.
MSPs listened closely to the stories of those who work the land, many of whom had travelled long distances to be there.
This was not just lobbying, it was a heartfelt conversation between those who grow the food and those who shape the laws.
There was a shared understanding that the path to a greener, fairer Scotland runs through its fields, hills and crofts.
Mr Connon closed the evening with thanks to Elena Whitham MSP for hosting, Minister Jim Fairlie MSP for lending his voice, and every MSP who took the time to listen.
As Scotland’s policies take shape in the coming months, NFU Scotland made it clear that they will be at the table, and so will the people they represent.
Because when farming thrives, Scotland thrives.
