Agriculture is vital in the rural economy

I was asked to step in for Jim Fairlie, our Minister of Agriculture and Connectivity at the The National Farmers' Union of Scotland's Hustings at the Royal Highland Show in 2025. Jim was at the show as Minister and Parliamentary rules didn't allow him to sit in on behalf of The SNP.

It was a great event - and it really brought home to me how vital the agriculture and farming sector is to our rural economy. It's vital for the jobs it creates - but its also vital for what it produces. As well as satisfying us with their fantastic produce, Scotland is a net exporter across the rest of Europe and beyond.

But the sector is not without issues. And the big ones comes from the same problems Westminster brings us in many areas - Brexit, its continuing austerity drive, and how little it is prepared to listen to our Scottish Government and Scotland's issues. This was really clear in the questions I was asked.

The first was from Hugh Fraser, Chair of the NFU Scotland's Livestock Committee, who asked me what he thought about British Government trade deals and the issues for Scotland. Here's what I said:

Next up was Ben Clymont, Chair of NFU Scotland's Next Generation Committee, who highlighted well how the next generation is key to a future sustainable agricultural industry in Scotland. Ben wanted to know what is the SNP doing to support them?

Finally Robert Neill, the NFU Scotland Vice President, voiced his concern about the post-Brexit uncertainty that farmers experience in funding commitments from government.

The SNP Scottish Government does its best to buffer Scotland from the excesses, bad judgment, and lack of interest that Westminster directs our way - but in the end, the only solution is a Scottish Government with all powers. And that means regaining independence.

Later in the year, at the Border Union Show in Kelso, I managed to catch up with Jim Fairlie. He took the time to share his thoughts on the state of agriculture in Scotland - and, as Minister, the things he had at the top of his list of priorities. Here's our discussion: