The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Consultation starts on future farm support
Scottish Government Announces move to weiSh up post-Brexit options After months of ‘DitherinS’
On the eve of the Royal Highland Show, and after months of criticism from the industry over inaction, the Scottish Government yesterday launched an industry consultation outlining postBrexit proposals for farm and rural support.
At its heart is a proposed transition period of between three and five years, with the first two years largely continuing with current EU rules. Proposed future changes include reducing inspections, dropping penalties for minor errors and bringing in a cap for direct payments, with options ranging from £25,000 to £200,000.
Launching the consultation in parliament, Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said he wanted to provide “stability and certainty” for farmers, crofters and land users.
“In the short-term, I am proposing that support schemes for active farming, food production, environmental improvements, forestry and rural development fundamentally stay largely the same. However, where schemes and processes can usefully be simplified and streamlined, we should do so, particularly if that frees up resources to test new approaches and measures.
“I also want to hear views on the longer term direction of travel. With Brexit representing the biggest challenge to rural Scotland for a generation, people deserve security and stability, and that is what I am determined to provide.”
The consultation was welcomed by the farmers’ union (NFUS) which pointed out that it had been on the “front foot” in devising future farm policy for Scotland, and added that momentum was now building to identify the right policies at a pace that suits the industry.
NFUS president Andrew McCornick said: “We have encouraged the Scottish Government to come forward with a Scottish agricultural policy that will support active farmers and crofters and help support profitable farming.
“Likewise, the Cabinet secretary’s commitment to look at legislative simplification and addressing the disproportionate mapping, inspection and penalty process will be music to the ears of farmers and crofters and mirrors our own priorities.
“The timescale for responses is tight but we need decisions sooner than later. We need a policy to support activity mapped out to give confidence to the industry. If all are willing then Scottish Government and industry can work together to find solutions for productive, profitable agriculture going forward.”
Opposition politicians said the Scottish Government had produced proposals only under pressure.
Conservative Donald Cameron welcomed the proposed transition period but criticised “dithering” in the face of opposition politicians urging it to outline support since the Brexit vote.