NFUS fires broadside at Brexit statement
The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland has blasted the technical notices released by the UK Government detailing the preparations in place for the possibility of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. NFUS Andrew McCornick said: ‘The announcement has not told farmers or crofters anything new and has only left us with the same questions as we had before. ‘The government needs to start giving details of what life is going to be like on the other side of Brexit. ‘We realise that governments cannot make commitments beyond their lifetime, but without confidence about the future of farm payments beyond 2022, Scottish farm and croft businesses have no clear steer on how they should prepare beyond this time – particularly if, in the wake of a no deal Brexit, trade flows are significantly disrupted. ‘There is still not enough clarity in regards to what farm support the UK Government is planning on continuing up to 2022. ‘NFU Scotland has repeatedly asked the UK Government to define which schemes under Pillar 1 and 2 will be funded up to 2022 but continues to get no answer. ‘This is particularly concerning in terms of Pillar 2 schemes. Pillar 2 support covSale ers multi-annual agreements such as Agri-Environment Climate Schemes, the Beef Efficiency Scheme and advisory support via the Farm Advisory Service. Pillar 2 also encompasses lifeline payments such as the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme. ‘Although time is running out for negotiations to produce the best possible outcome, it is the union’s opinion that the Chequers agreement, which would uphold the principles of free and unfettered trade in agri-foods between the UK and EU, is far better than a no-deal Brexit, which would be hugely destabilising for the farming industry.’