Over 1,000 Scottish farmers and crofters rallied outside Holyrood on 28 November 2024 to call for a pro-farming budget ahead of the Scottish government’s budget announcement on 4 December.
The demonstration, organised by NFU Scotland, saw participants from across Scotland converging on Edinburgh to voice their concerns and demands
6.The protest highlighted several key issues facing the Scottish agricultural sector. Firstly, farmers are seeking an increase in the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) budget, including the return of £46 million previously deferred from agricultural funding.
NFU Scotland is calling for a total of £776 million in funding for farming and crofting in the 2025/26 budget, which represents a £50 million increase from the current allocation.
A major concern for the protesters is the discontinuation of ring-fenced funding for Scottish agriculture, which had been in place for over 50 years.
The recent UK budget has transferred the responsibility for agricultural funding entirely to the Scottish government, with the previously ring-fenced £620 million now part of an increased block grant. Farmers are urging the Scottish government to guarantee that this funding will be allocated to support the agricultural sector.
NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy emphasised the critical nature of the situation, warning that poor budget decisions could potentially collapse the rural economy.
He stressed that the entire agricultural supply chain is under threat and called for a commitment to prevent a funding ‘cliff edge’ for the industry.
The rally also addressed recent changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) in the UK government’s Autumn Budget, which have caused significant concern in the farming community.
These inheritance tax changes have been a source of contention across the UK, with similar protests occurring in Westminster, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Scottish government, represented by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, has expressed support for farmers and crofters, acknowledging their vital role in rural communities and the food and drink industry.
However, protesters are seeking concrete actions and commitments in the upcoming budget to secure the future of Scottish agriculture.
As the Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison prepares to deliver the Budget for 2025/26 on 4 December, the agricultural sector awaits with anticipation, hoping for a financial plan that will address their concerns and provide the support they deem necessary for a sustainable and prosperous future.
