Sharp contrast in agricultural support visible as CS agreements come to an end
12th September 2025
A Scottish MP has highlighted the sharp contrast in agricultural support policies between Scotland and the rest of the UK, after a Freedom of Information request revealed that thousands of farmers in England face an uncertain future because of a funding “cliff edge” imposed by the Labour government.
The FOI revealed that 5,820 farmers in England will face an uncertain future at the end of this year when the Countryside Stewardship grant scheme comes to an end.
Funding for the replacement Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme is still not fully available – with the NFU warning that this is forcing farmers to abandon projects that have supported biodiversity and environmental delivery for decades.
Farmers in Scotland, meanwhile, have been reassured by the SNP Scottish Government that they will not face a similar “cliff-edge” in funding.
The government said it is committed to continuing a range of support schemes, including reformed direct payments and the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), which deliver for sustainable food production and the environment whilst providing stability to a vital industry.
‘Farmers deserve full support’
SNP MSP Emma Harper said: “Farmers play a vital role in supporting the environment and biodiversity which is often overlooked – many of those using these schemes have done so for decades.
“As we face the immense challenge of tackling climate change, these farmers deserve our full support and backing rather than being abandoned – as thousands have been by a UK Labour Government which has shown scant regard for our farming communities since coming to power.”
The SNP MP added that the Scottish Government has recognised the crucial role farmers play in protecting our natural environment whilst producing food sustainably and how vital it is that they have clear assurances around funding.
“That’s why in Scotland we have assured these farmers that they will not face the cliff edge being faced by their counterparts in England,” Harper MSP said.
The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) has recently urged the government to support farmers whose Countryside Stewardship agreements come to an end this year.
READ MORE: Govt called to consider Countryside Stewardship rollover agreements
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