John Swinney: Farmers will be protected as food price cap is brought in

John Swinney has pledged to protect farmers as he develops legislation for a price cap on staple foods as he acknowledged the “controversy and debate” over the issue.

The First Minister was at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday morning, where he announced a new taskforce to help ensure locally-produced food is used in schools and hospitals.

The SNP leader has pledged to introduce a price cap on essential food within the first 100 days of his post-election Government.

However, the policy has led to concern for farmers, who fear they may have to accept lower costs for their produce.

The National Farmers Union Scotland has said there could be a “severe” impact if the policy is not implemented properly.

Left to right, Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin, First Minister John Swinney and agriculture minister Jim Fairlie at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh (Andy Buchanan/PA) PA Media

Swinney gave a speech at the Quality Meat Scotland stand at the Royal Highland Show, which is Scotland’s largest agricultural expo.

He said the industry had showed “remarkable grit and resilience” as it dealt with high cost pressures.

The First Minister acknowledged there are “issues of controversy and debate” including the price cap proposals.

He said: “I believe that the cap is needed to ensure that while the cost-of-living pressures persist, essential food items remain affordable to members of the public.

“It’s needed because no one should have to choose between feeding their family and meeting other basic needs.”

He pledged to work “constructively” with the sector and the policy should not come at the expense of producers.

Guests at the Quality Meat Scotland breakfast at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh (Andy Buchanan/PA) PA Media

Speaking to the Press Association after the speech, the First Minister said he would have discussions with the farming sector about the impact on producers.

He said: “That’s the nature of the dialogue we’re going to take forward in relation to the content of the legislation.

“Because what I want to do is make sure that agriculture and farming has got a significant role to play in the economic growth agenda that’s at the heart of my Government’s agenda.

“So, to do that, we’ve got to make sure that we drive an approach within the agricultural community in taking forward this policy that’s engaged, that listens to farmers, that protects them in the delivery of this policy and that meets the needs of the farming community.”

The new taskforce will be chaired by agriculture minister Jim Fairlie and will meet later this summer.