Agriculture Bill Consultation
Agriculture Support Policy Development
Area D Spur
Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH11 3XD
FutureAgricultureBill@gov.scot
Dear Sir / Madam
We write in response to Scottish Government’s consultation on proposals for a new Agriculture Bill.
Scottish Agronomy are an arable co-operative providing agronomy advice to over 200 farmers throughout Scotland. Our members are, like all other growers in Scotland, facing unprecedented challenges from dramatic rises in key input costs, price volatility, labour shortages and an increasingly unpredictable climate. We believe the recent proposals put forward in the new Agriculture Bill consultation neither adds clarity nor any real meaning to the future direction of agriculture support for the sector.
There is no detail within the consultation as to where funding will be delivered and no direction on how ‘conditionality’ will be applied. The questions posed throughout the document are leading responders to agree to the measures outlined but without any real detail of how they will be implemented. We have had several members commenting that they have found this document to be confusing, overly complicated and lacking real detail behind the generalised terminology. There is also no recognition of the dramatic changes that have impacted the industry in 2022. All these changes have highlighted the real threat to food security in Scotland being posed both now and in the future.
Farmers of course understand the need for changes that will contribute positively to the environment. The first stage of the Preparing for Sustainable Farming programme involving grants for carbon audits and, particularly, financial help for soil analysis has been welcomed within the industry and is likely to make a significant contribution to more efficient use of nutrients. Unfortunately, there is no further detail in the consultation document of any following support measures. The proposals give the impression of simply adding more red tape to further burden farmers, without any clear vision (or proof) of what they will achieve.
The Government must understand that the future of Scottish agriculture is dependent on the maintenance of sustainable and profitable farms and the associated supply and processing industries. This must be the priority. Without a vibrant industry there will be no means to implement the changes that will be required to achieve the goals of Scottish Government’s Vision.
Yours
George Lawrie
Company Secretary
Scottish Agronomy Ltd
Arlary Farm,
Milnathort,
Kinross,
Tayside,
KY13 9SJ
Tel: 07879 883803
Office: 01577 862759
