It is organisationally independent of the larger and similarly named National Farmers' Union (NFU) in England and Wales.

[2][3] In the late 2000's, proposals were made to reform the EU Common Agricultural Policy by altering the direct paymenth system.

[4][5] NFU Scotland declared their opposition to the reform package with NFUS policy director Scott Walker stating it would have a disproportionate negative impact on big farms.

[6] In February 2015, Allan Bowie was elected president of NFU Scotland, succeeding Nigel Miller who had held the role since 2011.

[8][9] NFU Scotland—which has and continues to campaign against the SAWB—criticised the decision, with NFUS chief executive Scott Walker describing the board as redundant.