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Agricultural support systems in Scotland have been criticised for being 'outdated and ineffective' in helping farmers deliver for food production, the climate emergency and nature recovery.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

 

More on Politics

Opinion: More volatility as politics dominates discussions

Opinion: More volatility as politics dominates discussions

Deputy editor Alex Black takes a look at the political trends impacting markets

Alex Black
clock 18 September 2026 • 1 min read
Efra committee urges farmers to share evidence to hold politicians to account

Efra committee urges farmers to share evidence to hold politicians to account

Speaking at the Westmorland Show, MPs encouraged farmers to watch what they were investigating

Alex Black
clock 17 September 2026 • 2 min read
Government's wildfire response scrutinised during Efra meeting

Government's wildfire response scrutinised during Efra meeting

The lack of wildfire strategy has come under attack as MPs question whether the Government will be prepared for next year's wildfires

Mia Willemsen
clock 16 September 2026 • 3 min read