Politics

Tax Trouble

Four in five farmers worry their businesses won't survive a decade Ref:RH250320049 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

Inheritance Tax

Four in five farmers fear their businesses could fail within 10 years

Executive director Neil Wilson

Executive director Neil Wilson

Relief for farmers

Scottish Government to relax bluetongue livestock movement controls from September 21

UFU President William Irvine signing the UFU’s letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

UFU President William Irvine signing the UFU’s letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Taxing Our Future

Inheritance Tax

UFU warns Reeves: Inheritance Tax could tear family farms apart

Checks on EU animal and plant imports have been paused

Checks on EU animal and plant imports have been paused

The Political Field

Checks on EU animal and plant imports suspended

The Prime Minister addresses UK farming standards with the NFU

The Prime Minister addresses UK farming standards with the NFU

Food standards safe

PM pledges to protect farming standards in trade deals

Harriet Cross MP says Labour's proposed lifetime gift cap and 'family farm tax' would be 'the end of family farming'

Harriet Cross MP says Labour's proposed lifetime gift cap and 'family farm tax' would be 'the end of family farming'

Family Farms At Risk

Inheritance Tax

Gordon and Buchan MP condemns ‘heartless’ lifetime gift tax cap

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting rural backlash as inheritance tax reforms come under legal fire from farmers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting rural backlash as inheritance tax reforms come under legal fire from farmers

Farmers launch Brexit-based legal challenge to inheritance tax

Land reform secretary Mairi Gougeon said the move recognises the deep connection between Scotland’s people and its land, and the need for an integrated approach to managing it.

Land reform secretary Mairi Gougeon said the move recognises the deep connection between Scotland’s people and its land, and the need for an integrated approach to managing it.

Scottish Government

Scottish Government launches consultations on land use and just transition plan

The Scottish Government has launched public consultations on future land use and agriculture (Image Getty)

The Scottish Government has launched public consultations on future land use and agriculture (Image Getty)

Shape Scotland’s Land

Scottish Government

Public invited to help shape Scotland’s land future

Jim Fairlie and Caroline Argo

Jim Fairlie and Caroline Argo

Vet School Boost

The Political Field

Scotland's agriculture minister praises 'world-class' vet school

Rising prices for staple items like meat and butter are contributing to ongoing pressure on household budgets and the wider food supply chain

Rising prices for staple items like meat and butter are contributing to ongoing pressure on household budgets and the wider food supply chain

Food Costs Surge

The Political Field

Rising input costs drive up food prices across the supply chain

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer met in Scotland this week (Image: Getty)

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer met in Scotland this week (Image: Getty)

Inheritance Tax

Trump slams Starmer over ‘family farm tax’ during Turnberry meeting

Farmers and business leaders launch legal action over IHT reforms

Farmers and business leaders launch legal action over IHT reforms

Tax Rules Shock

Inheritance Tax

Farmers and business leaders launch legal action over IHT reforms

Tenant farmers say solar projects are displacing them with inadequate compensation (Image Getty)

Tenant farmers say solar projects are displacing them with inadequate compensation (Image Getty)

Farming vs Solar

TFA warns ministers over broken solar compensation pledge

Power lines crossing vital farmland raise questions about balancing infrastructure development with preserving productive agricultural land (Image Getty)

Power lines crossing vital farmland raise questions about balancing infrastructure development with preserving productive agricultural land (Image Getty)

Safety Concerns

Sag concerns over SSE pylon project: Are clearance standards stuck in the past?

Ruaridh Ormiston and Alasdair Fletcher co-founders of the Scottish Rural Party

Ruaridh Ormiston and Alasdair Fletcher co-founders of the Scottish Rural Party

Rural roots rising

The Political Field

Scottish Rural Party to contest 2026 Holyrood election

Peers in the House of Lords have backed an amendment to the Renters' Rights Bill, protecting housing for essential seasonal and self-employed farm staff (Image Getty)

Peers in the House of Lords have backed an amendment to the Renters' Rights Bill, protecting housing for essential seasonal and self-employed farm staff (Image Getty)

The Political Field

Farming sector wins crucial Lords vote on worker housing

Generational farming traditions face an uncertain future as new research warns of mass job losses under Labour's tax plans

Generational farming traditions face an uncertain future as new research warns of mass job losses under Labour's tax plans

Rural Jobs at Risk

Inheritance Tax

16,000 Scottish jobs at risk from Labour’s tax plan

Crowds explore innovation and regenerative farming practices at this year's Groundswell, the UK's leading sustainable agriculture event (Image Getty)

Crowds explore innovation and regenerative farming practices at this year's Groundswell, the UK's leading sustainable agriculture event (Image Getty)

Future of Farming

Farmers call for clarity on new Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme

New movement restrictions between England and Scotland spark concern across the livestock industry (Image Getty)

New movement restrictions between England and Scotland spark concern across the livestock industry (Image Getty)

Scottish Government

Scottish bluetongue livestock rules spark industry-wide debate

Andrew Connon. NFU Scotland president, has stated that multi-annual funding is essential to the continued prosperity of Scotland's agriculture sector

Andrew Connon. NFU Scotland president, has stated that multi-annual funding is essential to the continued prosperity of Scotland's agriculture sector

Farming in Crisis

NFU Scotland demands long-term funding boost for agriculture

SLE's director of moorland, Ross Ewing, with Jim Fairlie MSP

SLE's director of moorland, Ross Ewing, with Jim Fairlie MSP

Scottish Government

Stalking visit gives minister firsthand look at lowland deer management issues

Willie Rennie MSP, SLE CEO Sarah-Jane Laing, senior policy adviser Eleanor Kay

Willie Rennie MSP, SLE CEO Sarah-Jane Laing, senior policy adviser Eleanor Kay

Scottish Government

Land-based businesses set out new vision for the future

Kate Rowell, QMS chair, outlines the 'Meating Our Potential' campaign aimed at boosting Scotland’s beef sector through sustainable growth and increased productivity

Kate Rowell, QMS chair, outlines the 'Meating Our Potential' campaign aimed at boosting Scotland’s beef sector through sustainable growth and increased productivity

Backed by Farmers

Scottish Government rejects livestock cuts amid climate debate

Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, urges the government to prioritise food security in the upcoming national security strategy (Image Toby Lea)

Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, urges the government to prioritise food security in the upcoming national security strategy (Image Toby Lea)

Act on food now

National Farmers Union (NFU)

National Farmers’ Union demands food security in national strategy

SAYFC's Agri & Rural Affairs committee at the Agri Reception with farming minister Jim Fairie and rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon

SAYFC's Agri & Rural Affairs committee at the Agri Reception with farming minister Jim Fairie and rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon

Gov Pledges Boost

SAYFC Big Build given boost by Scottish Government

Fergus Ewing will run as an independent candidate at the coming Holyrood elections

Fergus Ewing will run as an independent candidate at the coming Holyrood elections

Ewing Goes Solo

The Political Field

Farming favourite to stand as independent at Holyrood election

Seamus Logan (left) has welcomed renewed talks with Defra minister Daniel Zeichner (right) aimed at resuming Scottish seed potato exports to the EU

Seamus Logan (left) has welcomed renewed talks with Defra minister Daniel Zeichner (right) aimed at resuming Scottish seed potato exports to the EU

Seed potato ban?

Scottish MP welcomes progress on seed potato exports to EU

Russell Findlay will announce the pledge to farmers and crofters at the Royal Highland Show

Russell Findlay will announce the pledge to farmers and crofters at the Royal Highland Show

Scottish Government

Scottish Conservatives promise multi-year funding for farmers and crofters

Mairi Gougeon today outlined the governments plans for a new investment scheme focused on supporting future farming

Mairi Gougeon today outlined the governments plans for a new investment scheme focused on supporting future farming

New farming investment scheme launched at Royal Highland Show

Cuts to Defra funding could have serious knock-on implications for Scotland's agriculture budget going forward (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Cuts to Defra funding could have serious knock-on implications for Scotland's agriculture budget going forward (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Rural Crisis Looms

Chancellor accused of clobbering Scotland’s rural economy

Farmers and estate owners warn that forced land lotting could destabilise rural Scotland's property market (Image Getty)

Farmers and estate owners warn that forced land lotting could destabilise rural Scotland's property market (Image Getty)

Land Reform Debate

Fears grow over chaos from land reform bill

Vivergo Fuels operates the UK's largest bioethanol plant, supporting thousands of British farmers through its demand for feed wheat (Image Vivergo Fuels)

Vivergo Fuels operates the UK's largest bioethanol plant, supporting thousands of British farmers through its demand for feed wheat (Image Vivergo Fuels)

Farmers at Risk

The Political Field

Starmer’s bioethanol deal risks thousands of farm jobs

Farmers protest in Whitehall, London, over the changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules in the budget which introduced new taxes on farms worth more than £1 million.

Farmers protest in Whitehall, London, over the changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules in the budget which introduced new taxes on farms worth more than £1 million.

Inheritance Tax

Why businesses and farmers are angry at inheritance tax changes

Scottish Conservative MP Harriet Cross criticised Labour’s spending review for ignoring agriculture and continuing 'an attack on farmers'.

Scottish Conservative MP Harriet Cross criticised Labour’s spending review for ignoring agriculture and continuing 'an attack on farmers'.

Back British Farming

No mention of agriculture in Spending review sparks fierce backlash

English and Scottish livestock exhibitors will not be able to take part in this year's Royal Welsh Show

English and Scottish livestock exhibitors will not be able to take part in this year's Royal Welsh Show

Royal Welsh Show

No Scottish or English livestock at Royal Welsh Show this year

The UK is heading for two different bovine EID systems

The UK is heading for two different bovine EID systems

Border tag rift

Scottish Government

Industry slams split EID systems as threat to UK livestock trade

FUW head of policy Gareth Parry.

FUW head of policy Gareth Parry.

Tax Reform Fallout

Inheritance Tax

Could these tax changes cost the UK 200,000 jobs?

Save Family Farms

Inheritance Tax

Family farms under threat from inheritance tax reforms, union warns

From summer 2026, new regulations will be introduced to simplify cattle identification, registration, and movement reporting

From summer 2026, new regulations will be introduced to simplify cattle identification, registration, and movement reporting

Tagging Shake-up

The Political Field

New rules for cattle to be introduced in England by UK Government in 2026

Maxi Caledonian operates in haulage, construction, and property

Maxi Caledonian operates in haulage, construction, and property

Inheritance Tax

Haulage giant slams inheritance tax shake-up amid record turnover

Emma Harper is calling for greater collaboration between Westminster and Holyrood while negotiating with Europe (Image Getty)

Emma Harper is calling for greater collaboration between Westminster and Holyrood while negotiating with Europe (Image Getty)

Export crisis now

Scottish Government

SNP backs industry call for Brexit border clarity

Land reform rhetoric has been successful but action lacking, a new report states

Land reform rhetoric has been successful but action lacking, a new report states

Land Power Shift

The Political Field

Labour MSP land cap bid to 'break ultra-wealthy’s grasp on Scotland’s resources'

Fear grow over cuts to green farming schemes Ref:RH280723032 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

Fear grow over cuts to green farming schemes Ref:RH280723032 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

Farming Under Threat

Labour accused of abandoning green farming goals amid funding fears

The Great Yorkshire Show has extended sheep entries to Thursday 12 June

The Great Yorkshire Show has extended sheep entries to Thursday 12 June

GYS sheep deadline extended amid Bluetongue rule delays

Tim Eagle, Scottish shadow rural affairs secretary

Tim Eagle, Scottish shadow rural affairs secretary

Farming in Crisis

The Political Field

Scotland’s cattle herd hits decade low as opposition takes aim

Following prolonged consultation with stakeholders, Mairi Gougeon has just announced that Galloway will not be designated as a national park (Image Getty)

Following prolonged consultation with stakeholders, Mairi Gougeon has just announced that Galloway will not be designated as a national park (Image Getty)

Park Plan Rejected

Scottish Government

Scottish Government rejects Galloway national park proposal amid deep division

Customs site idle after Brexit check delays (Getty Images)

Customs site idle after Brexit check delays (Getty Images)

Border delays hit hard

The Political Field

Fresh produce sector blasts government over Brexit border delays

Could a new vaccine offer cross border hope for livestock - getty

Could a new vaccine offer cross border hope for livestock - getty

Trade Lifeline?

Scottish Government

Vaccine hope may revive cattle trade between England and bluetongue-free Scotland

Dee Ward, chairman of of Scottish Land & Estates, called on the government to 'remove the hand brake' that is holding back the rural sector

Dee Ward, chairman of of Scottish Land & Estates, called on the government to 'remove the hand brake' that is holding back the rural sector

Rural Roadblock

Scottish Government

SLE calls on government to 'release the handbrake' for a thriving rural Scotland

Vivergo Fuels site near Hull. The UK's largest bioethanol plant says it will be forced to close unless the Government acts, following the recent trade deal with the United States

Vivergo Fuels site near Hull. The UK's largest bioethanol plant says it will be forced to close unless the Government acts, following the recent trade deal with the United States

Shutdown Warning

Yorkshire bioethanol plant to shut ‘unless Government acts after US deal’

Jindabyne Station in northern New South Wales, the latest $35 million addition to Gina Rinehart's expansive cattle empire (Image Getty)

Jindabyne Station in northern New South Wales, the latest $35 million addition to Gina Rinehart's expansive cattle empire (Image Getty)

Gina Rinehart expands empire with $35 million NSW cattle station purchase

Jim Fairlie stated that the Scottish Government is fully aware of farmers needs to future proof their businesses

Jim Fairlie stated that the Scottish Government is fully aware of farmers needs to future proof their businesses

Vital Rural Boost

Scottish Government

Over £6 million paid out to Scotland’s hill farmers by Scot Gov

Farm generations, stock image.

Farm generations, stock image.

Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax changes ‘bad for farmers’ focus on environment’ – watchdog head