Scottish farming leaders have taken their concerns over rising costs, inheritance tax and food imports directly to UK Government ministers at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
NFU Scotland used meetings throughout the conference to press its priorities ahead of the UK Budget, including calls for changes on inheritance tax, red diesel duty and new costs facing fertiliser imports.
President Andrew Connon was joined in Liverpool by Director of Policy Jonnie Hall and Head of External Affairs Beatrice Morrice.
The delegation met politicians including Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander, Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, DEFRA Minister Stephen Morgan and Scotland Office Minister Melanie Ward.
One of NFU Scotland’s main concerns is the impact of imported food on Scottish and UK producers.
The organisation has written to the UK Government calling for domestic producers to be protected from being placed at a disadvantage by imports produced to different standards or under different conditions.
Inheritance tax was another major issue raised during the conference.
NFU Scotland wants the UK Government to fully reverse the changes to inheritance tax for farmers announced in 2024, arguing that agricultural businesses need conditions which encourage continued investment and domestic food production.
The cost of energy, fuel and fertiliser is also putting pressure on farm businesses.
NFU Scotland called for the existing cut in red diesel duty to continue beyond the end of December.
It also wants implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which is due to begin in January 2027, to be delayed.
The mechanism is another concern for the farming organisation because of its potential impact on fertiliser costs.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:
“We have had a large number of constructive conversations with Ministers, MPs and MSPs in Liverpool and have been clear about the pressures facing Scottish farming.
“Farmers and crofters want to continue producing high-quality food here in Scotland, but they need a policy and trading environment that supports domestic production rather than making it harder.
“We will continue to engage with UK Government and politicians across all parties to ensure the priorities of Scottish agriculture are understood and acted upon.”
With the UK Budget approaching, NFU Scotland says it will continue pressing ministers and politicians across the political spectrum to ensure the pressures facing Scotland’s farmers and crofters are reflected in decisions taken at Westminster.
