Shared vision as NFUS and SLE back Gove’s post-Brexit outlook

Scotland’s farming and land-based organisations broadly welcomed the tone of the environment secretary’s speech, with many of Mr Gove’s views chiming with their own aspirations for post-Brexit farm policy.

NFU Scotland (NFUS) even claimed many of Mr Gove’s themes already feature in the discussion document the union launched at last month’s Royal Highland Show.

The union welcomed recognition of the need for new support arrangements post-Brexit, a requirement to better target support at activity and the challenges faced by those farming and crofting in hills and uplands.

NFUS director of policy Jonnie Hall said the statement that support “must be earned” was consistent with the union’s own thoughts.

“We would want to see a properly-funded policy, supported by science-led decision-making, that builds on our animal health and welfare record and is focused on productivity and profitability gains,” he said.

“That means, in the future, there is a justifiable case for Scottish agriculture to receive the same levels of funding as it currently receives, ring-fenced and spent in new and more effective ways to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience.

“That is a central plank of the discussions we will be having with politicians and their officials in the weeks and months ahead.”

Mr Hall said the union would be considering the case for a transitional shift from land to activity-based incentives.

“We would want to reward risk and recognise good stewardship, not inertia,” he said.

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) chairman Lord David Johnstone said it was clear that the UK Government was pursuing a policy that would see the delivery of public goods, such as helping mitigate flooding, providing clean water, enhancing biodiversity or reducing carbon emissions.

“But this must be balanced alongside support for farming operations where this is still required and justified,” he said.

“We were pleased to see Mr Gove acknowledge that many regions of the UK will still need greater levels of support where farming is more difficult.

“In Scotland, 85% of our land is classified as ‘poor’ – the opposite of what exists in England.

“We also have a much greater forestry industry so it is important that the Scottish Government plays a significant role in developing the detail on this policy that works for Scotland’s unique needs.

“The future of support goes hand-in-hand with the development of a new trade structure. The two cannot be separated, and we need to ensure new opportunities are created for food producers and manufacturers and forestry businesses.”

Picture: PA. Environment Secretary Michael Gove during his speech at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking.