Farmers demand tax and cost action from UK Government

NFU Scotland used the annual event to press the UK Government on its Autumn Budget priorities, while also raising concerns over imports and the need to ensure Scottish farmers and crofters are not put at a competitive disadvantage.

The Union has submitted its Autumn Budget 2026 priorities to HM Treasury, calling for action to protect family farms, address rising business costs and encourage investment in Scottish agriculture.

At the top of its list is a call for the UK Government to fully reverse the inheritance tax changes announced in October 2024.

NFU Scotland is also seeking action on increased employment costs arising from employer National Insurance Contributions, an increase and extension to the Annual Investment Allowance, and stronger capital allowances to encourage investment.

The Union is calling for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to be paused and reviewed because of concerns over its potential impact on fertiliser costs and UK food production.

It also wants the Government to reverse the tax treatment of double-cab pick-ups used as genuine agricultural working vehicles and maintain reduced fuel duty rates for red diesel.

NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said: “Back British Farming Day is an important opportunity to take the issues that matter to Scotland’s farmers and crofters directly to Westminster.

“Our message is clear. Backing British farming has to mean more than warm words. Government decisions on tax, investment and trade must support, rather than undermine, our ability to produce high-quality food here at home.

“Inheritance tax remains a major concern, alongside rising employment and input costs and the need to encourage investment. At the same time, farmers need confidence that they will not be asked to meet standards and costs at home only to be undercut by imports produced to different standards.

“We need government to recognise the strategic importance of domestic food production and create the conditions in which our farming businesses can invest, compete and grow.”

The NFU held its annual Back British Farming Day reception in Westminster, where MPs and Peers were able to hear about the Union's priorities and show their support for British farming.

Supportive MPs were also encouraged to wear the NFU's wheatsheaf pin badge during Prime Minister's Questions.

Scottish Conservative rural affairs spokesman Finlay Carson MSP also backed the campaign, describing the day as an opportunity to thank farmers and support Scottish and British food.

He said: “I am always delighted to show my support for Back British Farming Day.

“It is the perfect opportunity to thank our incredible farmers across the country for all that they do and show our support for their world-class products too.

“We should always be looking to back Scottish and British products when we are in the supermarkets and the reality is that without farmers, there would be no food.

“Farmers are facing huge challenges right now. From the Bluetongue outbreak in my own constituency, to John Swinney’s bonkers plans for food price caps, as well as Labour’s spiteful family farm tax, they feel like they can’t catch a break and are repeatedly being let down by both of Scotland’s governments.

“As someone with a farming background, I will always champion their interests at Holyrood and challenge SNP ministers to protect our food security and give them the real long-term support they need.

“On Back British Farming Day, we should all thank our farmers for always getting on with the job and always putting food on our shelves.”

Back British Farming Day was launched in 2016 and has become an annual opportunity for politicians and the public to show their support for the food and farming sector.