Farmers descend on Edinburgh as they fear 'closing up' over inheritance tax

Farmers, crofters, and rural stakeholders from across Scotland came out in force outside Holyrood on Thursday 28 November to urge the Scottish Government to deliver a budget that secures the future of farming and crofting.

Members of National Farmers Union Scotland have said they want to 'remind' the Scottish Government of the importance of funding for agriculture in the Scotland. NFU Scotland is calling for an increase in the Agriculture and Rural Economy budget in addition to the promised return of £46 million previously deferred from agricultural funding.

Without increased funding, which was previously 'ring-fenced', union chiefs have warned it could have a detrimental impact - not only to their businesses but to the wider community.

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NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy, 59, attended the rally in Edinburgh among dozens of those involved in agriculture. He said: "If there isn't funding, I will have to close up, batten down the hatches.

"But the first people this will affect will not be farmers and crofters. The first people this will affect is the most vulnerable in society because we will not have that ability to continue to still produce affordable food."

The dad-of-three from Aberfeldy said: "I'm 59 and I've been born and brought up on a farm. It's far more important we do get this right, because this is about the next generation.

"The next generation won't have that opportunity to deliver, first and foremost in food production. We've all got a to play a part when it comes to climate change, deliver on doing more for biodiversity, but more importantly creating an environment for thriving rural communities. And the next generation is not going to have the heart in them to drive that forward if the funding and support is not there."

Third generation farmer Stewart Wyllie, 42, said: "We're here today- not demanding but we're just explaining what do you want it to look like, and if you want the countryside to be that green and pleasant land that attracts the tourists and you want to see a functioning rural economy, it requires that support."

NFU Scotland Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “Scottish farmers and crofters deserve a budget that recognises the indispensable role of farmers and crofters in Scotland’s rural and national prosperity. Our contributions span from producing high-quality, sustainable food to driving socio-economic growth in rural areas and tackling climate and biodiversity challenges.

“Scotland’s farmers and crofters produce the food we rely on, act as stewards of the environment, and underpin the vitality of rural communities. This cannot be overlooked or jeopardised by inadequate funding.”

“Our figures show that a modest budget increase in the agricultural portfolio would deliver a strong return on investment, fostering employment and growth in areas with limited economic alternatives while advancing climate and nature goals.

“The Scottish Government now has full control over agricultural funding. The upcoming Scottish Budget on 4 December is a test of their commitment to Scotland’s rural future.

“Scottish Government has previously assured farmers and crofters that there would be no “cliff edge” during the transition to a new support framework under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024. Delivering on our budgetary is critical to fulfilling these assurances and enabling the sector to deliver on its potential.

“That is why we are calling on all farmers and crofters and all those from industries upstream and downstream to rally outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 28 November 2024. Our farmers and crofters are ready to deliver for Scotland, but they need the financial backing to do so. The time for Scottish Government to act is now.”

Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: "I was clear when I spoke with the NFUS that the Scottish Government is unequivocal in our support for Scotland’s farmers and crofters. They are vital to our rural communities and make our world-class food and drink sectors possible.

“The UK Government Budget failed to give them or us any certainty, with no multi-year agreements, imposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief with no consultation and a move from rural funding being determined based on the amount of land and sea in Scotland.

“The First Minister repeated his cast-iron commitment that £46m will be put into the rural affairs budget so farmers benefit from that investment and more detail will be provided in the upcoming Scottish Budget. I met with NFUS once again today and the Finance Secretary and I have both written to the UK Treasury calling for them to urgently reconsider the cumulative impact of their decisions on Scottish farmers, tenant farmers and crofters.”