Election 2026: What are the parties proposing for Scottish farming?

Scottish Conservatives 

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party has promised to increase farming funding by £50 million, alongside a full reversal of the family farm tax.

The party also plans to “cut red tape” for farmers, arguing that this will give them more time to work rather than complete paperwork.

As part of these efforts, the Conservatives have committed to scrapping existing Scottish Government policies on red meat and dairy, arguing that current policy “encourages a reduction” in these products.

Finally, the party has pledged to review the distribution and delivery of farm payments.

Scottish Labour 

The Scottish Labour Party has guaranteed it will “modernise” Scotland’s agriculture support system by ensuring funding is available for food production, biodiversity, and maintaining rural communities.

Tier one payments will be capped for the largest businesses, with smaller crofters and farmers benefiting from redistribution, according to the party.

The manifesto also includes a review of crofting legislation, investment in local abattoirs, and reforms to the fishing quota management system.

The party states that any changes will align with net zero commitments and be phased in gradually.

Reform UK 

Reform UK has outlined plans to scrap the Scottish Land Commission, advocating instead for a return to a tenant farming commissioner.

Under the party’s proposals, farmers can expect a review of the farm payment system and support for less favoured areas, which Reform says will prioritise “active” farmers.

To maintain Scotland’s meat reputation, the party rejects what it describes as an “ideological” approach to standards, instead supporting a focus on quality and welfare through Quality Meat Scotland.

Further promises include support for abattoirs, maintaining import standards, and providing grant funding for land improvement.

Scottish Liberal Democrats 

Scrapping the family farm tax is the top policy for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

The party also pledges to support Alistair Carmichael’s Food Supply Chain Bill, which it says would deliver fairer prices for farmers.

Other commitments include ringfencing agriculture funding, protecting support payments, and introducing three-year funding deals.

Finally, the party reiterated its support for a new UK–EU customs union and its opposition to “top-down” marine proposals.

Scottish Greens 

The Scottish Green Party has committed to putting “nature-friendly” farming at the heart of Scotland’s agriculture sector by creating a Transition Insurance Fund.

This fund is intended to incentivise farmers to move towards sustainable and regenerative food production, replacing the bulk of current subsidies.

The party also pledges to restore Scotland’s agricultural research institutes and roll out farmer-led skills development programmes.

Additionally, the Greens say they will ensure the public sector leads in driving ethical consumption and encouraging plant-based diets.