NFU Scotland has called on the UK Government to deliver a ‘Budget that supports farmers’, urging ministers to prioritize fair taxation, new investment and long-term sustainability in agriculture in next month’s Autumn Budget.
In its formal submission to the Treasury, the union set out eight key policy challenges that it argues are essential to supporting food production, environmental provision and the economic resilience of the entire agricultural and agricultural community.
NFU Scotland chairman Andrew Connon said the sector continued to provide “high quality food while supporting jobs and helping to tackle climate change and strengthen biodiversity”, but warned that farming operations were under “strong strain”.
“We need a budget to support farmers,” he says. “This proposal is about practical, fair and forward-looking solutions.”
Some of the proposed measures include calling for a fairer approach to inheritance tax reform to avoid the collapse of family farms, and increasing annual investment limits to encourage farm innovation and resilience.
NFU Scotland is also calling on the Treasury to introduce enhanced capital allowances for low carbon infrastructure such as farm buildings to support the transition to net zero.
Other recommendations include reversing recent National Insurance changes that threaten rural jobs and retaining duty relief on red diesel, which remains important for farm businesses.
The union is also calling on the government to reverse the reclassification of double cab pickups, saying they are an essential tool for rural business and farm transport.
In addition to these measures, the proposals call for the postponement of the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which is due to affect exports and imports of agricultural products, and improvements to the government’s tax digitization system to better reflect the realities of agricultural accounting and seasonal income.
Mr Connon said the proposal was designed to provide more than a “short-term solution”, stressing that good financial decisions could help ensure lasting progress for the industry.
“The measures we have proposed will help secure long-term productivity, investment and opportunity for Scotland’s farmers and the rural economy as a whole,” he said.
The Autumn Budget will be published on Wednesday 26 November, setting out the Chancellor’s plans for public spending and taxation.
NFU Scotland confirmed its submissions had been shared with both the Treasury and the Scottish Office, and said the UK Government had the opportunity to set a budget that delivers results without creating further challenges for farmers and crop traders.
