NFU Scotland has welcomed the funding commitment to future Scottish agricultural policy made by First Minister Humza Yousaf when he addressed the union’s annual conference in Glasgow on Friday.
In his address, the First Minister reiterated the Scottish Government’s commitment that there would be “no cliff edges” in support as Scotland transitions between existing schemes and the introduction of the new four-tier framework.
He confirmed that funding for Tiers 1 and 2 will constitute at least 70% of the overall funding envelope to support farming, crofting and land management from 2027, reflecting most closely the current direct payment regime that delivers schemes such as Basic Payment Scheme and Greening.
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The First Minister also announced that, in addition, funding for the replacement for the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme, currently worth £65 million, will be made available through Tier 2 once the replacement scheme has been decided.
Responding at the event, NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “We welcome the First Minister delivering clarity on future levels of support to be delivered under Scotland’s future agricultural policy.
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“Equally important was the First Minister’s recognition of the economic importance of our sector and his stated ambition that he wants to see our production of high-quality food and drink grow. That needs farming and crofting to be at the heart of the new agricultural policy and this Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding announcement is a lobbying success for NFU Scotland. But the huge unknown is what funding will be made available to Scotland by Westminster”.
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Market round-up A mixed offering of prime hoggets at Ayr yesterday saw well-fleshed types selling for over 320p/kg, but a number of leaner types saw the average drop to 311p/kg or £134/head, peaking to 355p/head for Beltexes from Muir. Blackie hoggs sold to £149/head for John Weir, Muirkirk, or to 320p/kg for a pen of 19 from Pinvalley. Meanwhile, cast ewes sold to £198/head for pure Texels from West Lands with tups selling to £188 for a Beltex from Mossend.
Prime heifers at Carlisle yesterday rose 15p on the week to average 287p/kg and sold to 336p/kg, but beef-bred bullocks were less in demand, dropping by 20p on the week to an average of 261p/kg. Young bulls held up well, rising 2p on the week to average 252p/kg, while cast beef and dairy cows were largely unchanged on the week at 189p/kg and 149p/kg respectively. Demand for prime hoggs showed no sign of abating as they rose again to an average of 328p/kg and sold to 470p/kg or £216/head. Ewes also met a strong trade, with lowland and hill ewes rising by 16p and 11p on the week respectively.
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