Change Is Coming On Agricultural Strategy

There has never been a more opportune time to discuss the future agricultural strategy for Scotland. We have read with interest the recent proposals made by the Scottish Government's Agricultural Champions final report, Fergus Ewing's paper "Stability and simplicity: proposals for a rural funding transition period", and the NFUS Steps to Change paper. In a bid to compare and contrast these three policy documents, we have had a look at where the tensions lie and where the consultations may take the sector.

Agriculture Champions – no change is not an option

The Scottish Government appointed four Agriculture Champions to advise on the development of a strategy for the sector. They have been tasked with developing strategy to guide the long term sustainable future for Scottish agriculture by increasing profitability and boosting innovation, production and sustainability. Their report opens with the statement that "no change is not an option" and their recommendations