No clear sign of post-brexit policy

With the official leaving date for the UK departing from the EU now just one year away and no clear sign of a post Brexit farm policy, NFU Scotland yesterday presented their preferences for a future life outside the Common Market.

The Union admitted it was working ahead of government policy but countered that claim by stating they were doing their best to influence politicians north and south of the Border on the way forward.

After meeting Scottish politicians at Holyrood, Union president Andrew Mccornick said, “Time is against us. Our members need to know possible policies so they can plan ahead.”

The Union’s policy director, Jonny Hall also saw time as being critical in the changeover saying leaving the CAP was a bit like turning a supertanker. “You have to manage change. You have to have time to adjust.”

This was especially so as the Union saw radically different policies from those currently operating under EU regulations.

In proposals which have been worked up following extensive meetings with their membership, the Union has said that in future, support would not be a given.

It would have

to be earned whether in productive agriculture or in environmental policies.

There would also be a third strand providing financial stability in some of the remote and more difficult areas of the country but this would reduce over time.

The incentives for support envisaged by the Union include producers joining animal health schemes and taking part in schemes to improve nutrient management and reducing pollution.

Again providing examples of where future support may kick in, the Union suggests cropping farmers might be rewarded for going down the precision farming road.