The autumn budget is light on tangible measures to energise farmers and the rural economy, according to NFU Scotland. Its chief executive, Scott Walker, said he was disappointed with Wednesday’s announcement and described it as a “missed opportunity”.

“The industry has ambitions to more than double that contribution by 2030, but farmers and crofters will not be able to deliver on that ambition if they are not supported by governments to run viable, profitable and productive businesses,” Walker said.

“However, with industry desperate for progress on Brexit, we note Mr Hammond’s comments that he believes the economy is ready for EU exit, and a “global Britain” will be “an outward-looking, free-trading nation”.

ADVERTISEMENT

NFUS welcomed the cancellation of planned fuel duty rises for petrol and diesel vehicles as well as the extension of the rural fuel duty rebate scheme for the Scottish islands to 2023.

The union said it will “double” its engagement with Westminster “to ensure that governments are left in no doubt of the importance of long-term strategic planning and support for Scotland’s agricultural businesses, and seeing the industry as part of the solution”.

Making a success of Brexit

Arla Foods UK has said it is disappointed by the omission of plans for the UK’s agri-food industry in the wake of Brexit.

“It is important, now more than ever, to take a long-term view to fiscal policy to help lay the groundwork for a successful departure” from the EU, a spokesperson for the company said.

“Arla Foods UK believes that, for the Arla cooperative and the farmers who own it, the replacement of the CAP should be a key priority for the Government, especially as agriculture relies on far longer planning cycles than the broader economy, and a successful departure from the EU will rely on farmers.”

On a more positive note, NFU Mutual described the budget as a “huge relief”, given that the Chancellor avoided increases in duty on petrol and diesel or a change to the VAT threshold.