Much to be learned from NZ approach

Most farmers voted for Brexit to see an end to pernicious rules and regulations. This will only happen once we end subsidies.

The top 25% of British farmers will thrive as they already farm profitably without any need of subsidy.

In New Zealand the government understands how important efficient farm production is to the economy.

They revolutionised the dairy industry by allowing Fonterra to be born. Fonterra has a legal duty to collect and market every litre of milk produced.

As a single-desk seller Fonterra has the clout on the global marketplace to achieve the best possible price for every dairy farmer.

In the UK the dairy market is in a real mess. Some farmers have to accept 15p per litre whilst their neighbour may receive more than 30ppl for identical milk, depending on which contract is in place.

When sheep farmers were subsidised in NZ there were more than 70 million sheep; today there are fewer than 30 million.

Subsides prop up inefficient farmers at the expense of the efficient.

Today the NZ sheep industry is world leading in genetics and production practices.

The Scottish Government must also support farming, not by subsidies, but by ensuring Scottish farmers receive a more equitable share in our £14 billion food and drink industry.

Technology will soon let consumers point their smartphones to any food or drink product to see ingredients and country of origin.

With provenance now vital it is essential Scotland Food and Drink and our Government ensures this information is listed, and that any product that states it is the ‘product of Scotland’ must be made from ingredients grown or reared only by farmers in Scotland.

Despite a strict points-based immigration system the NZ government allows young people on tourist visas as well as those on temporary working visas to provide adequate harvest labour for intensive crops.

The UK should adopt the same system as well as overhauling tax and benefit rules to ensure the many thousands living on the ‘broo’ in cities like Dundee are better off working than drawing social security.

People are happier and healthier when they no longer have the indignity of relying on state handouts.

These are very exciting times and there will be many opportunities for those bold enough to take them.