NFUS says farmers ‘in dark’ over Brexit

SCOTTISH farmers and crofters who are still ‘in the dark’ about the UK’s post-Brexit agricultural policy need to be heard in negotiations, as well as ‘continued’ and ‘fair’ funding for a ‘smooth transition’, their union argued at Westminster.

The day after the general election was called, the NFU Scotland pressed ministers to recognise Scotland’s ‘unique requirements’.

NFUS president Andrew McCornick said: ‘ We continue to press the UK government on the importance of committing to longer term funding and its fair allocation across the UK. That will be key to winning the confidence of Scottish farmers and crofters, and a clear indication that their needs are being heard in the Brexit negotiations.

‘We are looking to both Westminster and Holyrood to restore confidence and certainty to all Scotland’s farmers and crofters through agreeing a necessary and meaningful transition.

‘Any successor policy should be funded on a UK-wide common financial framework, but with policy development and delivery kept within the mainstay of the devolved administrations.

‘It is concerning that, nearly one month in to the two-year Article 50 process, Scottish farmers and crofters still remain in the dark about how a future agricultural policy will be both delivered and funded. What we need urgently is genuine discussion on the policy instruments and funding mechanisms that will lead to a well-funded, refreshed agricultural policy that delivers for all.’