First minister John Swinney provided a forward to the guidance document, which was published on 6 May, in which he outlined how he and his Scottish National Party government intend to confront the “tough times” currently facing “households and businesses across Scotland”.
Swinney is entering his final year before the next Holyrood elections, which must take place before 7 May 2026.
Food and farming featured prominently in the document, while the government also committed to providing further greenhouse gas emission reduction support for businesses.
The document said that the government would: “Support farmers and crofters to produce food, reduce emissions and deliver biodiversity improvements, through uptake of key baselining activities such as carbon and biodiversity audits and soil analysis.”
Swinney also trailed a new export plan that he hopes will help businesses manage the current uncertainty surrounding US tariffs.
“In response to concerns about trade with the USA and the wider impact of US tariffs, we are putting in place a new Six Point Export Plan, with a focus on actions to unlock target markets, showcase Scotland to global buyers and enable more companies to participate in trade missions to both established and emerging markets,” Swinney said.
The announcements were greeted by David Thomson, the chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland.
“Food and drink manufacturers are a vital part of Scotland’s economy and to our communities across the country,” Thomson said.
“It’s great to see the Scottish Government’s continued support for food and drink in this year’s Programme for Government.
“We welcome measures including putting in place a new Six Point Export Plan; investing in Scotland’s food and drink strategy; re-opening the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant scheme; and providing further support to the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund. All of which will be important in supporting the sustainable growth of our food and drink manufacturing industry.
“We will continue to work in partnership with the Scottish Government to ensure our food and drink businesses have the support they need for future success.”
