Scot Lib Dems urge Labour and SNP to tackle falling farm incomes

Scottish Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson Cllr Claire Mclaren has today urged SNP and Labour ministers to “finally open their ears” to the plight of farmers after farm incomes declined sharply last year.

Figures for 2023/34 show that farm incomes experienced a sharp decline with all types of farms experiencing declines on average, including cereal farm income falling by 63%, dairy farm income falling by 56% and lowland cattle and sheep farm income falling by 87%

Scottish Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson Cllr Claire Mclaren said:

“Ministers in both Westminster and Holyrood need to finally open their ears to family farmers who are the lifeblood of our rural communities, who tend our precious landscapes and who produce food to the highest standards.

“Our farmers are the best in the world. We need them now more than ever to restore nature, provide food security, tackle climate change and support the rural economy.

“The last thing they need are new threats to the feasibility of their businesses.

“The UK Government must reverse their disastrous family farm tax and instead provide farmers with the support and funding they need to do what is best for the country and for future generations."