Scot Lib Dems push Scottish Government over unspent money and cuts to farming budget

Scottish Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson and lead candidate for Mid-Scotland and Fife, Claire McLaren has today pushed the Scottish Government to invest in domestic food production, as they revealed that over the last five years, the budget for agricultural support payments has fallen by £83m, while the total unspent has reached more than £100m.

In response to a written parliamentary question, agriculture minister Jim Fairlie revealed that the budget for agricultural support payments has fallen from £670m in 2020-21 to £587m in 2024-25.

The question also revealed that the Scottish Government have regularly underspent this budget by tens of millions, with the cumulative total over five years reaching £123m.

Councillor Claire McLaren, lead candidate for the Mid-Scotland and Fife region and agriculture spokesperson said:

“These figures show that under the SNP, support for farmers has only gone one way: down.

“Not only are budgets decreasing but they are not even managing to get the money that has been approved out the door.

“As someone from a farming background, I know that people are incredibly frustrated right now.

“The Conservatives, Labour and the SNP have abandoned rural Scotland. Their catastrophic policies have made it harder for farmers to plan for the future and export their products.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are on the side of farmers and farming communities. We have fought against the hated family farm tax and we will continue to make the case for striking deals that cut red tape and make it easier to get workers and sell our world class produce.”

“If you back me with your vote on the peach regional ballot, I will be a champion standing up for farming communities in Fife and Perthshire.”