5. To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to support farmers to protect crops, including from future flood-related damage. (S6O-02684)

The Scottish Government places a high priority on supporting farmers to protect crops from a wide range of threats, including pests, diseases and adapting to the changing climate. Key elements include our investments in the Plant Health Centre and the Farm Advisory Service. Overall, we invest almost £50 million a year in a portfolio of strategic research to support advances in sustainable crop production, natural resources and the environment, including research that is aimed at improving crop resilience.

In terms of future flood-related damage, I have seen and discussed at first hand the impacts on crops for farms that have been affected by the recent severe flooding. At NFU Scotland’s autumn conference on 26 October, I committed to working with the farming sector to provide support for repair of flood banks that were damaged by the extreme rainfall during October to protect our vitally productive farm land.

As the Cabinet secretary will be aware, it has been widely reported that Scotland’s farmers suffered extensive flooding and storm-related damage during October, with the cost being expected to run into millions of pounds. Will she commit to a support fund, and will she ensure that future food security remains a top priority in the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill?

What makes the situation so concerning is that, although there have been some immediate impacts, it will be a while before we can assess the full extent of the damage that has resulted from the recent flooding events and storms.

I have already outlined an initial funding package and have said where we believe we can add the most helpful support at the moment. We will consider any measures as the

Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill proceeds through Parliament.

I have visited farmers and I have seen at first hand the damage to flood banks in Perthshire, so I appreciate the seriousness of the situation. The damage is impacting on some of the most productive land in our country, so it is vital that we work together to try to improve the resilience of our farmland.

I agree with the Cabinet secretary and with Mr Balfour about the need to compensate farmers for lost crops. However, could we involve farmers in offsetting floodwater at the start of a flooding episode in order to stop damage downstream and make sure that that is properly compensated and planned for?

It is clearly vital that we work across catchment areas. Given the recent flooding events, we need to consider the wider impact and what more we can do on various parts of rivers. Engagement at catchment level will, of course, have to include farmers and land managers in consideration of solutions to increase resilience and adapt to what could be—it is looking as if it will be—an increasing number of flooding events in the future.

As well as needing practical support to mitigate and adapt to climate change, we know that the impact of extreme weather takes an emotional toll on people’s mental wellbeing. As we know, farmers face particular challenges with mental health and isolation. What more can the Scottish Government do to support farmers who might be struggling emotionally right now?

Karen Adam has raised an important point. As I outlined in one of my previous responses, I have been out to visit farmers and other people and businesses in my Constituency, and I have seen at first hand the real and significant emotional toll that such events take on everyone. That includes our farmers as well as the professionals and the volunteers who were involved in responding to the events and are now involved in the recovery work.

We cannot forget that extreme weather events have devastating consequences and can really test people’s resilience. As an acknowledgement of the effects of flooding on farmers, and in recognition of the increased need—as Karen Adam mentioned—for emotional, financial and practical support now and over the weeks to come, I recently announced £50,000 of funding for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution to enable it to continue to provide help and to bolster the support that is available through its own flooding crisis fund. I record my thanks to RSABI for all the incredible work that it is doing.