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Agricultural support systems in Scotland have been criticised for being 'outdated and ineffective' in helping farmers deliver for food production, the climate emergency and nature recovery.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

"You cannot tax a business that is not profitable" - Labour MP calls for concessions on IHT
Politics

"You cannot tax a business that is not profitable" - Labour MP calls for concessions on IHT

Suffolk Coastal MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter abstained on a vote to back the Government's changes to Inheritance Tax last week. The Labour MP explains why she could not support the changes at a time when the farming sector is on its knees

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 08 December 2025 • 4 min read
Efra chair joins call for fair EU deal for farmers
Politics

Efra chair joins call for fair EU deal for farmers

MP Alistair Carmichael says Gov must engage with farmers and food producers on netotiations

Jane Thynne
clock 07 December 2025 • 2 min read
Nearly a quarter of Tory MPs fail to turn up for IHT vote
Politics

Nearly a quarter of Tory MPs fail to turn up for IHT vote

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride failed to record a vote on a Finance Bill resolution to limit Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 07 December 2025 • 3 min read