NFUS survey underscores need for urgent certainty, says McArthur

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has called on the Scottish Government to accelerate the publication of critical detail over its future agricultural policy in response to NFU Scotland's 2023 Intention Survey.

Almost two-thirds of respondents that took part in the largest-ever response to a survey carried out by the Union identified future agricultural policy as the most significant threat to the industry, ahead of soaring fuel, feed and fertiliser cost concerns. Availability of labour also remains a key concern for the sector.

Mr McArthur has repeatedly backed NFU Scotland's calls for Scottish Ministers to end the 'information vacuum' and provide much-needed detail on the new policy measures that farmers and crofters will have to adopt from 2026. Orkney's MSP secured an extension to the Agriculture Bill consultation in November to ensure government officials held a consultation event in the islands, attracting a record turnout for the series of events held last year.

Responding to the survey, Mr McArthur said:

"Despite a challenging environment of soaring fuel, feed and fertiliser costs, it is telling that most farmers view the uncertainty over future Scottish Government policy and regulation as the biggest threat facing agricultural businesses.

"Time and again over recent years, the industry has pleaded with Ministers to provide clarity over future policy and support. It was message that could not have been clearer as farmers and crofters rallied outside Holyrood at the end of last year.

"I know from my discussions with the sector locally that the ongoing information vacuum is eroding confidence and preventing plans being made for the future. That confidence is essential if we are to achieve our food security, climate and biodiversity ambitions.

"Scottish Ministers must heed this latest warning and come forward with the detailed that famers so desperately need."