The unity of approach shown by the farming unions has been the decisive difference in delivering for agriculture across the UK.
This was the core message delivered by Scottish National Farmers’ Union (SNFU) president Andrew Connon, courtesy of his address to the 2026 Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) annual dinner.
Connon went on to highlight the common ground held by all the farming unions in securing real changes to the original inheritance tax proposals proposed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her October 2024 Budget.
Connon further explained: “The inheritance tax issues had created 14 months of hell for farmers throughout the UK.
“However, changes were secured to the chancellor’s original plans because farming union members came together, showing unity of purpose, where this critically important issue is concerned.
“Common cause was demonstrated with the result that all the farming unions were able to speak with one voice.”
According to the SNFU representative, a number of important challenges confront UK farming and food in the here and now.
“These include the unfolding crisis in the Middle East and how this is going to impact on future energy and fertiliser supplies,” he said.
“And, of course, all these issues will converge in and around one topic: the security of our food supply into the future.”
Political landscape
Looking further ahead, Connon pointed to the need for a resetting of the relationship between the UK and the EU.
He is also conscious of the changing political landscape around the UK, which will be further cemented by upcoming elections in a number of regions.
But above all else, the SNFU president pointed to a farming industry that the UK can be proud of.
“Looking forward, we need to protect the farming sectors and their capacity to produce high quality food,” he continued.
“Agriculture is a people industry. And yes there are key challenges confronting individual farmers: mental stress and anxiety amongst them.
“But farming is a resilient industry and farmers keep fighting back.”
The SNFU president specifically commended the work of Rural Support for the tremendous work the charity carries out in supporting farming families throughout Northern Ireland in times of need.
He stressed that this commitment must be fully supported by members of the public.
“Northern Ireland has a farming industry to be proud of – one that can look forward to a very successful future,” Connon added.
