Lochhead welcomes new Scottish Government deal for Moray’s farmers
Moves to introduce new support grants for Scottish farmers have been welcomed.
Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead has lauded the announcement by the Scottish Government’s of flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.
It means that farmers and crofters, including those in Moray, will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year. At least £14 million will deliver a Future Farming Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.
The Scottish Budget outlines investment of £660 million in support for agriculture, and while the UK government has taken away ring-fenced funding the Scottish Government continues to apply that to funding received in the block grant, while arguing for multiyear funding to give Scotland’s farmers the same certainty as Ireland’s.
Mr Lochhead said: “Moray’s farming sector must be equipped and ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future, and this funding goes a long way to ensuring that.
“While the UK Labour government continues to betray farmers, backing Brexit and slashing inheritance tax relief, the SNP in Scotland is ensuring they get the support they need.
“Farmers are vital if Scotland is to thrive, especially as we journey towards net zero, and I am proud that my party is providing the most generous package of direct support in the UK to a sector grappling with the impacts of climate change more than most.
“The SNP stands with Moray’s farmers and will always support them in the face of Westminster governments that have repeatedly betrayed their trust.”
Other moves announced by the Scottish Government for the farming sector include: £7 million in 2025 through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) to undertake activities supporting nature, climate and biodiversity alongside food production; Hosting a new entrant’s summit bringing key individuals together to find solutions to attract more people into farming; A three year programme of national land Lidar laser scanning to accurately map terrain; Committing £75,000 to RSABI (founded as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) to provide mental health support for farmers and crofters; Further details of how the route map to implementing a new framework of agriculture support will work; A commitment to delivering ultra-high frequency (UHF) electronic identification for cows to improve traceability.
