Scottish agricultural support payments held up by 'blu tack and sticky tape'

Jim Walker, chair of the Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board, said the Scottish Government's system for supporting farmers was ‘not fit for purpose' and that a decline in cattle numbers had placed a 'burden' on farmers

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
Jim Walker, chair at Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board, said: "The computer system is knackered and has been knackered for years. It has been held up by blue tack and sticky tape for years. It is a significant problem. Can anyone on this committee tell me any Government agency that has worked with zero inflation, zero increases in real-terms spending over the last 25 years like agriculture has? Agriculture and support payments are still in the dark ages because we have an illusion that we will be back in Europe again."
Image:

Jim Walker, chair at Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board, said: "The computer system is knackered and has been knackered for years. It has been held up by blue tack and sticky tape for years. It is a significant problem. Can anyone on this committee tell me any Government agency that has worked with zero inflation, zero increases in real-terms spending over the last 25 years like agriculture has? Agriculture and support payments are still in the dark ages because we have an illusion that we will be back in Europe again."

Agricultural support systems in Scotland have been criticised for being 'outdated and ineffective' in helping farmers deliver for food production, the climate emergency and nature recovery. During a...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Tenant farmers are at risk of losing land to development, particularly large-scale solar projects"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Tenant farmers are at risk of losing land to development, particularly large-scale solar projects"

TFA farm policy adviser Lynette Steel writes on what must change for tenant farmers in 2026 and why the industry needs commitments to ensure businesses are adequately paid for the high standard of goods that they produce

Lynette Steel
clock 16 January 2026 • 2 min read
IHT critic Robert Jenrick dismissed from Tories after plotting to defect to Reform
Politics

IHT critic Robert Jenrick dismissed from Tories after plotting to defect to Reform

Newark MP Robert Jenrick has been sent his marching orders by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch after evidence came to light that he was about to defect to Nigel Farage and Reform

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 15 January 2026 • 4 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Jamie Wyllie: "It is vital that we support home-grown production to bolster our food security"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Jamie Wyllie: "It is vital that we support home-grown production to bolster our food security"

It has been a challenging start to the year for pig farmers, and producers have called on retailers and Scottish Government to support Scotland's pork sector instead of choosing imports from abroad

Jamie Wyllie
clock 14 January 2026 • 4 min read