NFUS CALLS RURAL SUPPORT PLAN A STEP FORWARD FOR SCOTTISH FARMERS
The Scottish Government’s Rural Support Plan (RSP), published this week (24 March 2026) is set to offer continued support for the next five years, offering Scottish farmers some clarity on policy direction and future funding.
NFU Scotland described the RSP as an important step forward in shaping the future of agricultural policy and locks in significant direct support commitments it has secured over recent years, alongside a move to multi-year funding, providing greater certainty for farmers and crofters.
“This is a significant milestone in moving to a new, domestically designed support system,” said NFU Scotland President, Andrew Connon. “Crucially, it confirms and locks in the direct support commitments we have worked hard to secure in recent years.
“That provides a level of stability and certainty that is vital for farm businesses as they plan, invest and adapt for the future.”
In his forward to the plan, Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity said: “The government remains absolutely committed to working in partnership with industry as we deliver the Vision for Agriculture. The Scottish Government has committed to providing certainty to 2030 and beyond – that is why we will continue to deliver direct support in stark contrast to policies elsewhere. In other words, there will be no big bang moment and there will be no financial cliff edges - that is our commitment to you.”
The future support framework consists of four tiers, with a phased transition from April 2026 to March 2031:
Tier 1: Base will provide direct payments to support active farming – starting off with the current Basic Payment Scheme which will be developed over time.
Tier 2: Enhanced will support farmers and crofters whose agricultural practices do even more for climate and nature, building on the standards established in Tier 1.
Tier 3: Elective will support action that creates and/or protects habitats or species or improves business sustainability, with a focus on actions for climate change and nature restoration.
Tier 4: Complementary will help to grow skills and capabilities, including training and advice.
That means that 70% of funding will be made through direct payments – though farmers and crofters will need to do more for climate and nature, for example through enhanced greening measures and new calving intervals for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme.
However, Canon warned that delivery will be key: “These ambitions can only be achieved if farm businesses remain profitable. While the framework is positive, more detail is needed on how schemes will operate in practice and how existing support will transition into the new system.”
He also flagged concerns around a ‘flat-lining’ budget, pointing out that a static £677 million settlement over five years represents a cut in real terms, particularly as input costs such as feed, fuel and fertiliser continue to rise.
