NFU Scotland has warned that rising costs and competition from imported food could put UK food security at risk. The union is calling for emergency help with energy costs and stronger safeguards on imports.
Official figures show the share of the UK's food supply accounted for by domestic production fell from 65% in 2024 to 60% in 2025. The value of food, feed and drink imports rose 4.8% to £67.8bn.
The union, which represents more than 9,000 farmers, growers and crofters, says labour shortages, extreme weather and volatile markets are also straining businesses. Scottish Government figures put average profit from agricultural activity at just £500 per farm in 2024–25, although average overall farm business income was £58,800.
In a briefing seen by UK ministers, NFU Scotland urged both the Scottish and UK governments to treat food production as a strategic priority. It warned that declining domestic production could leave Britain more vulnerable to disruption abroad.
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