The UK Government has set out plans aimed at building a stronger, more profitable and sustainable future for Scotland’s farmers, crofters and rural communities.
Speaking at the National Farmers’ Union Scotland annual conference, Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said the government was committed to working closely with the agricultural sector to support long term growth.
Her address focused on strengthening partnerships between government and the farming industry, while creating new opportunities for Scottish produce in domestic and international markets.
The conference speech followed a Rural Affairs Forum held in Edinburgh earlier in the week, bringing together representatives from rural communities, local authorities and key sectors to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.
McNeill said agriculture and rural affairs were central to economic and community renewal across Scotland.
She said:
“Our farms and farmers are vital to this country as providers of food, guardians of our countryside and significant contributors to the economy and the UK Government is determined to work closely alongside the NFUS to create the right environment for our farming industry to thrive.
“Farming and rural affairs are both crucial to delivering economic and community renewal across the country.
“That’s why as well as attending the NFUS conference, I also met with 13 Scottish local authorities and sector representatives this week to discuss growth opportunities and the challenges we are facing.
“The UK Government is determined to work together with the NFUS to build a stronger future for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.”
Measures highlighted by the minister included increasing inheritance tax thresholds for Agricultural and Business Property Relief, providing greater flexibility in visas for seasonal agricultural workers, and establishing a new Farming and Food Partnership Board.
The proposed partnership board is intended to bring together farmers, food producers, processors, retailers and finance to strengthen the entire food system.
The Rural Affairs Forum explored a wide range of issues affecting rural Scotland, including skills development, training opportunities for younger people, the role of the energy sector, and the employment landscape facing rural communities.
Among those contributing to the forum was Stephen Sheridan from the University of the Highlands and Islands.
“It is essential that the UK Government continues to recognise and engage with the distinct opportunities and challenges facing rural Scotland.
“UHI works closely with communities, employers and local authorities across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire, and we see first-hand the positive impact that coordinated investment in skills, innovation and green growth can deliver.
“Forums like this play a vital role in strengthening collaboration between national and regional partners, helping to ensure that rural perspectives inform policies which support sustainable economic prosperity.”
South Ayrshire Council chief executive Stephen Penman also welcomed the opportunity for dialogue.
“South Ayrshire is predominantly a rural local authority, and this presents both challenges and opportunities.
“However, we still face some ongoing challenges, particularly around connectivity and ensuring people in our most rural communities remain involved and connected.
“It is always welcome to share these challenges and opportunities with government and colleagues from across Scotland, and so the Rural Affairs Forum was an ideal opportunity to begin that dialogue.”
