Farmers to lose out in post-brexit trade deals

Scotland’s farming industry faces a “serious risk” outside the EU single market, an independent study has found.

Scotland’s Rural College has analysed the potential economic impact of various post-brexit trade scenarios on beef, sheep, dairy and crop farmers.

The report found Scotland’s farmers would be worse off in every deal compared to under the current trade arrangement, with some or all producers facing lower returns.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This study confirms once again what the Scottish Government has been saying all along – that the interests of farmers are best served by remaining within the EU.”