From ambition to delivery: a practical guide for Scotland’s next government on agriculture

That, in itself, is welcome, but not unusual. If recent elections have taught us anything, it is that political ambition is rarely in short supply. Delivery, on the other hand, has proved more elusive.

The manifestos published provide a starting point, but they are only that. The task for the next Parliament will be to translate that intent into policies that work in practice - for businesses operating on the ground, often facing volatility, tight margins and long-term investment decisions.

So, in the spirit of being helpful, here is a short guide to what the next Scottish Government might want to bear in mind when it comes to agriculture.

First, provide confidence.

Farming and crofting are long-term businesses. Investment decisions are made over years, often generations, yet policy frameworks can lack clarity or consistency. Commitments to economic growth and resilience are encouraging. But to deliver them, government must provide clear direction on future agricultural support, infrastructure investment and regulatory frameworks - recognising the volatility inherent in the sector and the long-term nature of decision-making. Without certainty, growth will inevitably become constrained.

Second, get the balance right.

There is broad agreement that agriculture and land use have a central role to play in tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity and supporting sustainable land management. However, this must be achieved alongside Scotland’s continued production of high-quality food. This is not a choice between environmental ambition and food production. It is about designing policy that delivers both. That requires practical measures, appropriate funding and a clear understanding of how change is implemented on farms and crofts. Crucially, it also means ensuring that the viability of agricultural businesses is not undermined in the process. The key question for policymakers is how that balance is achieved in practice.

Third, deliver a coherent approach to land use.

While many manifestos reference the need for more integrated land use, there remains a lack of clarity on how competing demands - food production, climate mitigation, renewable energy and nature restoration - will be balanced in practice. For those managing land, that uncertainty creates risk.

Scotland has debated the need for a coherent land use framework for many years. The next Parliament must move beyond discussion and provide a clear, practical approach - one that recognises the essential role of active farming and crofting in delivering economic, environmental and social outcomes.

Alongside these structural challenges, there are more immediate issues that require attention.

Fairness and transparency in the supply chain remain central. Farmers and crofters must be able to secure a fair return for the high-quality outputs they deliver.

Equally, ensuring food remains affordable for consumers is vital, but this must be achieved in a way that maintains the viability of domestic production and the resilience of Scotland’s food system.

Rural infrastructure also continues to shape outcomes. Access to housing, digital connectivity and essential services are critical to the sustainability of rural businesses and communities, particularly in more remote areas.

Taken together, these issues highlight a broader challenge. Too often, agriculture, environment, land use and rural development are considered in isolation. In reality, they are deeply interconnected. Effective policy must better reflect that reality.

The next Parliament will bring new ministers, new committees and many new MSPs, and with this, we expect to be challenged – but we will challenge in return.

Engagement becomes essential. NFU Scotland will continue to work constructively with policymakers across all parties, from our hustings event next week, through to providing evidence and practical solutions to help shape policy that delivers on the ground.

Because the ambition is well founded. The question is delivery.

Jonnie Hall is director of policy, NFU Scotland