First Minister pledges to ‘secure bright future’ for Scotland’s farmers

The First Minister of Scotland is pledging to “secure a bright future” for Scotland’s farmers.

John Swinney will on Friday vow to support Scotland’s agriculture sector and said that the SNP Government will always stand up for rural Scotland.

Ahead of a keynote speech to the NFU Scotland Conference, Mr Swinney said he pledges to work with Scotland’s farmers “to protect the industry”.

He said: “Our farmers are a vital and valued part of Scotland’s economy and society – they help to grow our economy, put food on our tables, protect our climate and nature and are the bedrock of our rural communities. That is why we are committed to the most generous package of support anywhere in the UK.

“My pledge today to Scotland’s farmers will be to work with them to protect the industry and secure a bright future. I and the SNP Government will continue to deliver for our rural communities and make Scotland’s voice heard.”

The conference is set to tackle the challenges confronting modern farming.

Farmers, crofters, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers will come together to collaborate with an aim to strengthen farm businesses so they are profitable and sustainable for generations to come.

Mr Swinney continued: “I want to be absolutely clear today – while others turn their backs, the SNP Government I lead will always stand up for rural Scotland.

“On farming, on the cost of living, the cost of doing business and the public services that rural communities rely on, my government will do everything in our power to meet the challenges facing rural Scotland and ensure our agriculture sector meets its full potential.

“That is the trusted leadership rural Scotland deserves – and that is exactly what they will get with me and the SNP Government.”