The recent General Election has ushered in a new political era across Scotland and the UK, with significant implications for the agricultural sector.

Both the National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland and the National Sheep Association (NSA) are poised to engage with the newly-established Labour government to ensure the needs and priorities of Scottish farmers and crofters are addressed.

The election saw Labour secure a substantial majority at Westminster, prompting NFU Scotland to prepare to collaborate with the new government. The union aims to place Scotland’s agriculture and food and drink sectors at the forefront of both regional and national economic success.

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In the coming week, NFUS plans to engage with all 57 Scottish MPs, emphasising the key priorities outlined in its manifesto to secure a sustainable future for farmers and crofters. Local MPs will be encouraged to visit farms or attend agricultural shows during the summer recess to gain first-hand insight into the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Martin Kennedy, NFUS president, expressed concerns about the Labour manifesto’s lack of detail on farming, food and funding. “We challenged Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, recently at the Royal Highland Show and underlined the importance of agriculture in Scotland,” he stated. “It is massive and all governments, especially new ones, must understand what agriculture means and what it delivers.”

Kennedy emphasised the need for a long-term commitment to funding, stating: “Without meaningful funding, policy is worthless.”

He also confirmed that NFUS has written to key ministers, including the Prime Minister and the new Secretary of State for Scotland.

NFUS also made representation to the Secretary of State at Defra, to voice its frustration over funding issues.

“We will be heading to Westminster next week to underline the fact that it’s only a profitable agricultural industry that will deliver on so many fronts,” he added.

Kennedy echoed that successful farming and food sectors are vital to the Scottish rural economy and called for a ring-fenced, multiannual budget for farm support across the UK.

Similarly, the National Sheep Association cautiously welcomed the Labour government’s election victory. Phil Stocker, NSA’s chief executive, highlighted the ongoing transition away from the CAP and the turmoil faced by the sector.

He called for a clear vision and stronger connection between food production, land management, health, and the economy.

“NSA has been clear in its own priorities for a new government, but Labour has made little reference to the farming industry.”

Mr Stocker emphasised the need for continuity with the shadow team that has engaged with the industry so far and expressed concern over potential changes in personnel.

He called for a commitment to increasing the agricultural budget and recognising food production as a public good.

“We urgently need wider and deeper impact assessments of the new farming and environmental schemes.”

NSA chairman, Peter Delbridge, underscored the importance of government support for agriculture, noting that the food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK.

He said: “Support for agriculture is crucial not only for a sustainable farming industry and rural communities but also for sustaining the many jobs dependent on our sector.”

The NSA hopes to engage soon with the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, as he is expected to be at the NSA Sheep Event on July 30, at the Three Counties Showground, where he will address farmers. This engagement marks an opportunity for farmers to hear firsthand from the new government on its plans and commitments to agriculture.

NFU Scotland and NSA said they are committed to working constructively with government to ensure that the sector thrived and contributed significantly to the economy and food security of Scotland and the UK.