SLE calling for review of rural economy

Scotland’s landowners have voiced their impatience with government progress in preparing the farming sector for the implications of Brexit.

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) believes that instead of providing comforting short-term assurances, the Scottish Government should turn its attention to a comprehensive review of how the industry needs to change to provide longer-term resilience for the rural economy.

The organisation also warns that Scotland may be disadvantaged in future discussions on common frameworks, budgets and trade deals because other regions of the UK are responding faster to the challenges.

SLE’s views are found in its response to the Scottish Government’s Stability and Simplicity consultation which examines the post-Brexit transition phase for agriculture.

SLE chairman Lord David Johnstone said: “The fragility of Scottish agriculture is not solely down to Brexit, and this must be recognised.”

Lord Johnstone pointed to the radical approach to support being considered in Wales and appeals to the Scottish Government to explore alternative options during the transition phase. He added that government had taken a sectoral approach for too long, which resulted in farming, forestry, conservation and moorland management operating separately.

Picture: iStockphoto. SLE wants a review into the rural sector’s resilience.