Paul McLennan MSP - Farming is woven into the fabric of our county

Scottish agriculture is not merely an industry; it is the backbone of our rural economy, a guardian of our landscapes, and a cornerstone of our food security.

In East Lothian we have about 180 farms - it’s a major employer.

In a world facing growing uncertainty over supply chains and climate impacts, the importance of supporting our farmers has never been greater.

Scotland’s farms contribute more than £3 billion annually to our economy and sustain tens of thousands of jobs, particularly in our remote and island communities where alternatives are scarce.

From the fertile fields of Aberdeenshire to the hill farms of the Highlands and the crofts of the Western Isles, farming underpins local businesses, tourism, and the very viability of rural Scotland.

Without vibrant agricultural communities, our villages would hollow out, our schools would close, and our cultural heritage would erode.

Farming families have shaped our land and identity for generations; they are the stewards who maintain the glens, moors, that define Scotland at home and abroad.

Food production remains the most fundamental of all human activities. Scottish farmers produce some of the finest meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables in the world.

Our beef, lamb, and salmon carry protected geographical status and command premium prices globally.

In an era of geopolitical tension and climate disruption, domestic production capacity is a matter of national resilience.

The SNP has consistently championed food sovereignty, recognising that a strong agricultural sector reduces reliance on volatile international markets and ensures fresh, high-quality food reaches Scottish tables.

Beyond economics and sustenance, farming is central to our environmental ambitions.

Scottish farmers are at the forefront of the transition to sustainable practices. Through measures such as agri-environment schemes, peatland restoration, and renewable energy integration on farms, they are delivering both food and climate action.

The SNP Government has invested record sums in rural development, supporting diversification into agroforestry, organic production, and nature-friendly farming. We understand that healthy soils, clean water, and biodiversity are not luxuries; they are essential for long-term productivity.

However, farmers face significant pressures: volatile input costs, labour shortages, extreme weather, and the legacy of Brexit which disrupted vital markets and support frameworks.

That is why the SNP continues to fight for fairer funding, improved trade deals that protect Scottish standards, and policies designed in Scotland for Scottish conditions.

The future of Scotland must be built on empowered rural communities and sustainable food systems. By investing in our farmers today, we secure prosperity, resilience, and a thriving natural environment for generations to come.

Scotland’s farms are not relics of the past; they are the foundations of our independent future.