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The SNP cares deeply about our rural communities, farmers, and crofters - when they thrive Scotland thrives.

With nearly three decades of experience of representing Highland Perthshire, SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney has put rural Scotland at the heart of his Government – with ministers from rural communities across Scotland.Ìý

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With over 30 years of experience of shepherding, farming and establishing a diversified business from my farm, it has been the privilege of my life to support our farming communities as Scotland's Agriculture and Connectivity Minister.Ìý

That's why we know that Scotland's farmers and crofters are the bedrock of our rural economy producing high-quality food for all of us, supporting jobs and taking action for climate and nature.Ìý

In an increasingly uncertain world, they provide us with food security.Ìý

Farmers and crofters underpin our £19 billion food and drink sector with products produced here in Scotland in demand around the world.

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Recent figures showed that Scotland exported more than six times as much per person than England while matching the performance of some of Europe's largest economies.Ìý

It is clear the UK is not working for rural Scotland: from immigration policies which starve our key industries of skilled workers to free trade agreements designed to undercut our farmers.

From Brexit to funding cuts, to hikes in National Insurance and changes to Inheritance Tax, our farmers have been hit time and time again by an increasingly distant and out of touch Westminster. 

We cannot rely on Westminster to get it right for rural Scotland.Ìý

'SNP will stand up for farming'

While Westminster Governments have repeatedly hammered our farming community, the SNP has stood by them and will always stand up for them.

Where we have the power to support and protect our farmers and crofters, we are doing just that.Ìý

In Government, the SNP has provided Scotland's farmers and crofters with the most generous package of direct support in the UK, investing over £660 million annually. And the Government is committed to continuing that direct support.

That includes over £100m through Less Favoured Area Support Scheme and coupled support for our iconic livestock sector.Ìý

The SNP has been crystal clear that there will be no big bang moments or financial cliff edges for agricultural support payments that businesses rely upon.

In stark contrast to the UK Government, the SNP is committed to maintaining reformed direct payments which support our farmers.

Value of food production in Scotland

These policies support sustainable food production and help our farmers to plan ahead to deal with volatile markets and extreme weather.Ìý

The SNP will deliver modest reforms to direct support, designed and delivered in partnership with the sector.

These reforms will back farmers and crofters to produce food sustainably and contribute to actions which support biodiversity and reduce emissions.Ìý

Next generation of farming

The SNP understands that Scotland needs more new entrant farmers and crofters to meet the challenges facing the industry and ensure that Scotland continues to be a world-renowned food producer.

We will deliver a package of support for the next generation including more new entrant tenancies on publicly owned land, access to finance, investment in skills and crucially flexible capital grants.

We will take action to free up more crofts for new entrants and begin to deliver small landholding opportunities.  Ìý

A record of more than 14,000 hectares of degraded peatlands have been restored across Scotland in the last year, helping to reduce carbon emissions and restore biodiversity and support new green jobs.

Helping retain and attract people to rural and island communities is a priority for the SNP. 

That is why we are committed to investing at least £20m in a new Rural and Island House grant scheme – supporting young people and families to put down roots and breathe new life into our rural communities. 

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Since 2007, the SNP Scottish Government has approved Croft House Grant payments of over £26.5m, which has helped to build and improve over 1,180 croft homes.   Ìý

Speaking to farmers elsewhere in the UK – their message is simple: things are better in Scotland.

Now more than ever, it is clear that decisions about Scottish agriculture should be taken here in Scotland by people who know and care about our rural communities.Ìý

Rural people and businesses matter to the SNP.  Let's work together as Team Scotland to build a prosperous future - one which we can all believe in.

Vote SNP on May 7 for the only party which will always put the interests of Scotland's farmers and crofters first.Ìý

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