Farmers’ views shared with politicians

NFU Scotland president says he is confident the views of Scottish farmers and crofters have been put forward to politicians ahead of the publication of an Agriculture White Paper early this year.

Andrew McCornick said the union was providing solutions for future agricultural policy to Government and “filling a vacuum” in terms of future policy plans.

He said the union’s future policy priorities, which are set out in its CHANGE document, had been widely supported by its membership during Brexit roadshows across Scotland.

“There was overwhelming recognition that future support must incentivise action and, beyond the Common Agricultural Policy, there should be a clear departure from area-based payments that have often resulted in inertia, thwarted innovation and stifled restructuring,” said Mr McCornick.

“While budget challenges were recognised, all agreed that NFU Scotland must press for an adequately funded, fairly allocated and ringfenced budget for future agricultural and rural development support in Scotland.”

He said farmers and crofters had also backed the union’s plea for a commonly agreed regulatory framework for UK-wide standards, and for friction-free trade and the protection of Scottish provenance.

“Our engagement with politicians at UK and Scottish Government level has never been higher and that will build as we enter 2018,” added Mr McCornick.

“Next year will present a host of challenges in securing the best Brexit deal possible for farmers and crofters but their valuable engagement in the past few months has only strengthened our resolve and focused our priorities.”