Scottish farmers will have to look outside the box and improve levels of efficiency in all enterprises if they are to survive the new farming policy.

That was the stark warning from Brian Richardson, UK head of agriculture at Virgin Money, who told a seminar audience that producers not only have the challenge of a new round payment systems which still has to be finalised but also volatile weather patterns, net zero and a UK Government that is responsible for future budgets.

“Things are going to change and for some it could mean selling up, or for those who see a future in the industry, succession and handing over to the next generation.

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The Scottish Farmer: The farm tours were treated to views of livestock and the river Forth Ref:RH050624054 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer...The farm tours were treated to views of livestock and the river Forth Ref:RH050624054 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer...

“In future there will be fewer farmers producing just as much food but it will be produced more efficiently by farmers who have already done a carbon audit and are analysing their soils.”

Looking to the future he said, farmers should be casting a critical eye over their business to see where they can improve because there is wide spectrum of performance in all sectors and benchmarking can help reduce that.

He added that the uncertainty of the past few years had seen a pause on investment, but added that there are also a significant group of farmers who are looking to expand and can see a future.