Scotland’s agricultural industry has delivered a record-breaking performance in 2025, with total income from farming reaching an estimated £1.5 billion — the highest figure ever recorded, according to official statistics published by the Scottish Government today.
Total income from farming (TIFF), the official measure of agricultural profit, surged on the back of an 8% rise in the value of agricultural output to £5.1 billion, while total costs remained broadly stable at around £4.1 billion. Strong commodity prices across key sectors drove the gains, even as some input costs — particularly labour and seed — continued to climb.
Beef remained Scotland’s dominant agricultural sector, valued at £1.1 billion in 2025 — itself a record high — as market prices held firm throughout the year. The dairy sector also performed strongly, with increased production volumes combined with elevated prices boosting the value of milk output. Rising livestock prices similarly lifted returns for sheep farmers.
In Scotland’s cropping sector, potatoes were a standout performer, with output value topping £0.4 billion. Cereal crop output fell back for a second consecutive year overall, though Scottish wheat bucked the trend — strong volume increases pushed total output higher despite softer prices.
The figures also highlight the continued importance of public support to farm finances. Support payments accounted for 40% of agricultural profit in 2025. While that marks a significant improvement from the ten-year average of 64% between 2016 and 2025, it underscores the degree to which Scotland’s farming sector still relies on subsidy income to remain viable.
The estimates are initial figures and may be subject to revision as further 2025 data becomes available. The full statistical publication, including supporting data tables, is available at gov.scot.
