The Scottish agricultural industry must undertake a "transformational change" to alter the mindset of some of its farmers who lack vision, according to a new report.
Scotland’s four Agri-Champions has released its interim discussion document detailing how the industry can be changed for the better.
The four "Agricultural Champions" were appointed by Scottish Government in January 2017 to advise on the development of a strategy to guide the long-term sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.
Targets included increasing profitability and boosting innovation, production and sustainability. Each champion was paired across four themes: Education and Training; Food and Drink; Sustainability and Public Value.
The report believes a strategy is needed with a timescale of 10 to 15 years – longer than a single parliamentary term or the life of one government. It says the current farming system "does not deliver."
Among one of the reasons for this, the report states, is an outdated vision some farmers carry. It says more need to be "progressive, resilient and compliant" amid limited public goodwill.
It states: "Our industry is lucky to enjoy huge public goodwill, but it is not unlimited and it must continue to be earned. Consumers are ever more discerning and the industry has to read these trends and adapt.
"Public-funded farm support is not an automatic right, it is an asset offered to promote self-betterment and it should be used as such."
Professionalism
The report explains that professionalism is seen across the industry, such as those farming businesses which respond to what the consumer wants. However, it states that this level of professionalism is not universal.
It continued: "For a long time EU agriculture policy encouraged farmers to produce whatever they could or whatever they chose, and tried to guarantee them a living come what may. There are some within the industry whose mindset is still in that place.
"Their business model is often based on what they have always done. When they have hit problems of low profitability, in the absence of new injections of public money their financial situation has often deteriorated."
Some parts of the farming industry have therefore been asked for a change in mindset, which should in turn lead to a new confidence. It admits that the task isn't small and should be government supported.
Key elements of initiatives such as Scottish Enterprise's Rural Leadership programme already support a positive change for farmers, but those who take part tend to be self-selecting and already forward-looking.
The Agri Champions agreed that the government should look at developing a programme to support mindset change and business skills across a wider audience.
NFU Scotland has welcomed the messages on positive change included in the document, saying it will help the Scottish economy and its "ambitious prize" in doubling the food and drinks sector by 2030.
