Scottish farming community demand sight of £33m funding for agriculture sector after it was 'deferred' amid cost-of-living budget

Farming leaders have written to Scotland’s finance secretary Shona Robison to clarify when the agriculture budget’s ‘deferred’ £33million cash injection will be returned to the sector.

The sum was awarded to Scotland as part of the UK Government’s 2019 domestic farm support funding, otherwise known as the Bew Review, which ensured a fair allocation of agriculture support across the country.

Its allocation was deferred, however, during the Scottish Government’s Emergency Budget Review (EBR) in 2022 to support people and businesses through the cost of living crisis.

The then cabinet secretary for finance and rural economy John Swinney confirmed in his EBR statement that the “ring-fenced agricultural funds would be returned to the sector in future years.”

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said clarity on the return of the funding for the sector, which is at a "critical and decisive" time with changes to agricultural and land policy, would be welcome reassurance. Picture: NFU Scotland

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The National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) has written a letter to Ms Robison urging her to clarify when that will be after she confirmed, in response to a parliamentary question last month, that the money will be used to invest in rural priorities.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said the call comes at a critical time for Scotland’s farmers and crofters as agricultural policy in both Scotland and the rest of the UK is currently undergoing significant change with the likes of the new agriculture and land reform bill proposals.

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NFU Scotland has called to meet with finance secretary Shona Robison about the 'deferred' £33million (pic: Andrew Cowan)

He said a union survey conducted in January found almost two-thirds of members cited uncertainty around future agricultural policy and funding as the most significant threat to their businesses

“When food security and future production are such key issues for the nation, this is causing great concern for our sector,” he said.

Mr Kennedy added: “Funding from HM Treasury for the sector is only committed until the end of this UK parliament, so clarity from the Scottish Government on future support, including the return of the Bew funding, would provide welcome reassurance.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said the letter from NFUS has been recognised as important and Ms Robison will “respond formally in due course.”

He said the £33m sum was “uncommitted spend” and, echoing Mr Swinney’s words, said it will come back to the portfolio “in future years.”

The spokesman added: “To help businesses continue to deal with financial challenges and uncertainty, we have ensured there will be a direct cash injection of over £630 million earmarked for the rural economy over the coming financial year.”