Will Labour finally back Scottish agriculture after years of Westminster attacks?
The SNP has called on the Labour Party in Scotland to back Scottish famers by pushing their London bosses to deliver for Scotland’s agriculture sector in the forthcoming Budget.
The call comes after NFU Scotland set out its Autumn Budget priorities which it believes are essential to support food production, environmental delivery, and economic resilience in farming and crofting communities.
NFU Scotland has called on the UK Labour Government to unlock investment, ease pressure on rural businesses and deliver long-term sustainability for Scottish agriculture.
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick has called on Labour MSPs, MPs and candidates to show that they will support Scotland’s famers by putting pressure on Rachel Reeves to deliver on their asks in her Budget next month.
Commenting Emma Roddick MSP said:
“Scotland’s farmers play a vital role in producing high-quality food for all of us, supporting jobs in our rural economy and in helping us to tackle climate change.
“In recent years they have shown remarkable resilience in the face of decisions imposed upon them by successive UK governments. From Brexit to funding cuts, and hikes in National Insurance and changes to Inheritance Tax, our farmers have been hit time and time again by Westminster.
“At a time of increased global uncertainty and rising prices, Scotland’s agriculture sector plays a key role in securing our food resilience which helps to reduce the impact of global supply chain stocks.
“In stark contrast to the UK Government, the SNP in government is committed to maintaining reformed direct support payments which support for our livestock and upland farmers. These policies support sustainable food production and help our farmers to plan to deal with volatile markets and extreme weather.
“Ahead of next month’s Budget, will Scottish Labour MSPs, MPs and candidates join me in calling for their London bosses to finally come good and back Scotland’s farmers?”
