Íæż½ã½ã

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf 'encourages' NFUS after meeting on farming's 'vital role' to the economy

The Scottish First Minister met NFUS president Martin Kennedy, chief executive John Davidson, director of policy Jonnie Hall and political affairs manager Beatrice Morrice at the Scottish Parliament to discuss Storm Babet, food production, biodiversity and climate change

clock • 2 min read
From left to right: NFUS chief executive John Davidson, NFUS political affairs manager Beatrice Morrice, NFUS president Martin Kennedy, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall
Image:

From left to right: NFUS chief executive John Davidson, NFUS political affairs manager Beatrice Morrice, NFUS president Martin Kennedy, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has held ‘positive discussions' with NFU Scotland officials about the vital role of farming in supporting the nation's economy and supporting rural communities.

Mr Yousaf said he recognised the important responsibility farmers had in ‘food production, improving biodiversity and tackling climate change' after holding a meeting with NFUS representatives on Tuesday (October 24) in Scottish Parliament.

NFUS president Martin Kennedy, chief executive John Davidson, director of policy Jonnie Hall and political affairs manager Beatrice Morrice were at the meeting where the First Minister also reaffirmed his support for farmers affected by flooding over the past few weeks.

Mr Kennedy said: "Excellent meeting with the First Minister highlighting the vital role the sector plays in our rural economy and also its importance in supporting rural communities and caring for our environment - including, if allowed, our ability to help with flood management."

Mr Davidson addedd: "Really positive and constructive meeting with First Minister Humza Yousaf - lots of issues covered and I came away enthused by the First Minister's recognition of the vital role our farmers and crofters play in our society and willingness to work together going forward."

After meeting with victims of floods in Brechin, Angus, on Monday (October 23), Mr Yousaf said it would be a ‘long road to recovery' for farmers, businesses and families.

"I am afraid it is going to be a long journey to recovery given the devastation and the scale of the impact the community has faced," he added.

"It is my job to assure residents and business we are working hand in glove to help with the recovery phase."

See also: Defra Secretary Therese Coffey blames 'lack of experience' on easterly rain for response to Storm Babet

Commercial Secured Bridging Loans for Business

£±Ê°¿´¡

Lantra Farm Safety E-Learning now FREE!

£±Ê°¿´¡

FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Politics

Closed period could be scrapped by Welsh Gov following review into Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations

Closed period could be scrapped by Welsh Gov following review into Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations

An independent review into Wales' Control of Agricultural Pollution (CAP) regulations has published recommendations in five key areas. It found that an 'all-Wales' approach to the regulations was the right one

Rachael Brown
clock 31 March 2025 • 8 min read
Defra announces funding to improve flooding defences in 'worst condition' on record

Defra announces funding to improve flooding defences in 'worst condition' on record

Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy has criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to protect rural and farming communities from flooding

clock 31 March 2025 • 4 min read
Farming Minister to be quizzed by Efra Committee for the first time

Farming Minister to be quizzed by Efra Committee for the first time

Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner will be probed about the early closure of SFI and Defra's communication with the industry on key changes to farming policy

Rachael Brown
clock 31 March 2025 • 2 min read