Scottish Government calls for guarantees over LFASS

Mr Gove made it clear that his proposal to continue paying basic payments in their current form would only apply south of the border and it will be up to the Scottish Government to decide how to distribute the ongoing funds.

And while rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing initially welcomed Mr Gove’s funding commitment, a later statement from a Scottish Government spokesperson claimed the “devil was in the detail”.

“It is not clear what is meant by basic payments nor whether it in effect covers all current Pillar 1 schemes, including new and young entrants,” the statement said.

“At the very least, we will expect that Scotland continues to receive its current share of EU funding – anything less would significantly harm our farming and crofting businesses and our wider rural economy.

“With 85% of our land categorised as less favourable, compared to only 15% in England, the approaches he has set out today are clearly targeted at the much larger agricultural businesses that are less prevalent in Scotland.

“There may well be a case for capping payments to the handful of huge agricultural businesses we have here, but what is more pressing is the need for guaranteed funding for LFASS to 2025. On this, he is largely silent.”

Meanwhile, more access to farmland was also advocated by Mr Gove in his speech to the conference.

“The more the public, and especially school children get to visit, understand and appreciate our countryside, the more I believe they will appreciate, support and champion our farmers,” he said.