Rural Payments and Services

A vision of a productive, innovative and profitable future for Scottish farming has been set out by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.

The vision has been spelled out in a discussion document called the Future of Scottish Agriculture, which also sees a highly skilled and efficient sector that enjoys its full share of Scotland’s food and drink success. Mr Lochhead has launched the document at the Royal Highland Show along with the three finalists of the Bright Sparks award for innovative young farmers.

The Rural Affairs Secretary said:

"Scottish agriculture underpins our booming food and drink industry and is the essential glue that holds together our rural communities. Our farmers and crofters are also the custodians of Scotland’s magnificent natural environment.

"We are now at an advanced stage of implementing these latest Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms. This makes it the ideal time to take stock and consider what we want the future of Scottish farming to look like and how our hardworking farmers and crofters can best use our land to produce more food for the nation, both now and in the future.

"This document details my vision for a more productive, prosperous and profitable Scottish agriculture – a future where producers are able to respond swiftly to market opportunities and challenges to reap the benefits of the global demand for Scotland’s premium and greener produce, and where their contribution to Scottish society is valued by all.

"The purpose of this document is begin a conversation on these issues – not just at industry meetings and the like, but around kitchen tables and over the farm gate – and I look forward to hearing what people have to say over the coming weeks and months."

Brian Pack, a leading figure in Scottish farming, welcomed the discussion. He said:

"I think this is an excellent initiative the result of which should clearly identify the purpose of Scottish agriculture. To be truly transformational it requires wide and challenging input. I would recommend the formation of ad hoc groups to debate the discussion points that establish the Vision. It is essential that anyone with an interest in the future of Scottish farming contribute to the development of the Vision which should set our future."

NFUS New Generation Group chair and member of the Scottish Government’s New Entrants Panel, Iain Mackay, said:

"As established farmers, we have a duty to ensure that there are meaningful opportunities for the next dynamic and forward thinking generation. There is nothing that drives an industry forward more than the younger generation questioning and challenging the establishment on what they are doing and on how they approach the future. If we do not allow for this to happen, we are in danger of stifling progression and becoming, at best, stagnant.

The 'Future of Scottish Agriculture: a Discussion Document' is an opportunity for the industry to engage in how we want to modernise and move the agricultural sector forward."

David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said:

"We support the development of a vision for agriculture that will help provide strategic direction for the farming industry. The majority of our members are heavily involved in farming and share the Government’s ambition to achieve more prosperous and profitable agriculture which will enable farmers to grasp new opportunities. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and the agricultural industry to develop a shared and dynamic vision."

Alison Milne from the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) said:

"STFA welcome the commitment from Scottish Government to focus on the future of Scottish agriculture and look forward to sharing our views in forthcoming discussions."

Julie Fitzpatrick, Director of Moredun Research Institute, said:

"Mr Lochhead's vision for agriculture is both ambitious and achievable. Built on innovation over many decades, Scottish agriculture will deliver more food of optimal quality while ensuring sustainability of all our natural resources. This works in Scotland due to the joined up approach of all involved across the many agricultural sectors. The vision is one of continual improvement and commitment which I, and all at Moredun, are delighted to support."