Farming: New Agriculture Bill is essential for necessary powers - but how powers will be used is more critical says union
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NFU Scotland, the country’s leading agricultural lobbying organisation, has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill.
The ‘framework’ Bill will introduce new powers as part of primary legislation upon which Scotland’s future agriculture policy, due to be introduced from 2026 onwards, will be built.
The Bill will now begin its progression through the Scottish Parliament, with an expectation that it will be adopted by Summer 2024.
NFU Scotland will scrutinise the Bill in detail and closely monitor its progress through the Scottish Parliament to ensure it has all the enabling powers to provide the necessary support to active farmers and crofters for them to deliver intended outcomes around food production, climate, biodiversity and wider rural development.
A sustainable and profitable agricultural industry is key to Scotland’s ambitions and having the appropriate powers in place to deliver the right support is a crucial factor in that.
The secondary legislation that will follow the Bill, once enacted, must effectively support active farmers and crofters by putting agricultural production at its centre, as only this will underpin the nation’s ambitions for climate action, nature restoration, rural communities and the wider economy.
With the Bill now launched, NFU Scotland members will welcome Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP to their Autumn Conference and Council Meeting in Dunfermline on Thursday, October 26, where she will join a session on future agricultural policy in Scotland.
Responding to the publication of the Bill, Jonnie Hall, Director of Policy, NFU Scotland said; “We welcome the publication of the Scottish Government’s Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill and what it will enable. It is vital that Scottish ministers have the necessary powers at their disposal to deliver a future support framework that works for farmers and crofters and works for Scotland.
“Scottish agriculture is being asked to do much of the heavy lifting to meet Scotland’s climate and nature goals, whilst also continuing to produce food of the highest quality and sustain the socio-economic fabric of our rural communities – the issues that Part 1 of the Bill addresses.
“Scottish agriculture is up to the task, but it will need economically viable support to provide financial stability and to recognise and reward the vast array of positive outcomes that only active farming and crofting can provide.
“While absolutely necessary, frustratingly this primary enabling legislation is also pretty bland - it lacks the obvious detail which farmers and crofters need now if they are to plan for and implement change. NFU Scotland members need the Scottish Government to use 2024 and 2025 as an effective, smooth transition for all agricultural businesses to hit the ground running from 2026.
“At first glance alone, it’s clear there are elements included in the Bill that we have advocated for from the outset. But there are also other sections that need real interrogation. We must, for example, have assurance of a multi-annual support framework. The legislation has to work for and with farmers and crofters if its goals are to stand any chance of success.
“Throughout Stages 1 to 3 of the Scottish Parliament’s legislative process we will scrutinise the published Bill, draft appropriate amendments, liaise with Scottish Government and the relevant Parliamentary Committee, and engage with MSPs and other stakeholders to ensure any necessary amendments are made or indeed other amendments rejected.
“We will also consult closely with our members over the weeks and months ahead, to ensure they’re fully aware of the Bill’s purpose and progress so we can reflect their views and concerns in any changes we seek.
“Our priority right now is ensuring that the powers the Bill creates are capable of delivering a new agriculture support framework which puts agricultural activity and food production at the heart of Scottish Government policy.
“Beyond that, it’s paramount that those powers are then used to deliver the Union’s own vision of a ‘sustainable and profitable future for farmers and crofters’ because that is the only route to delivering all required outcomes.”
