SNP MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of flexible grants to drive efficiency, protect nature, and support climate-friendly farming.

This means that farmers and crofters, including those in the Isles, will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year. At least £14 million will deliver a Future Farming Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.

The Scottish Budget outlines investment of £660 million in support for agriculture, and while the UK Government has taken away ring-fenced funding, the Scottish Government continues to apply that to funding received in the block grant, while arguing for multi-year funding to give Scotland’s farmers the same certainty as Ireland’s.

Emma Roddick MSP said:

“Shetland’s farming sector must be equipped and ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future, and this funding goes a long way to ensuring that.

“While the UK Labour government continues to betray farmers, backing Brexit and slashing inheritance tax relief, the SNP in Scotland is ensuring they get the support they need.

“Farmers are vital if Scotland is to thrive, especially as we journey towards net zero, and I am proud that my party is providing the most generous package of direct support in the UK to a sector grappling with the impacts of climate change more than most.

“The SNP stands with Shetland’s farmers and will always support them in the face of UK governments that have repeatedly betrayed their trust.”