Policy planning for life after Brexit
NFUS President, Andrew Mccornick this week met with cabinet secretaries Fergus Ewing and Roseanna Cunningham to discuss the NFUS “Change” document which focuses on the options for a new agricultural policy for Scotland post-brexit.
“With the UK Government’s negotiations to leave the EU still ongoing, uncertainty exists as to what tools will be available to Scotland for a Scottish agricultural policy; how much funding will be available; how we will meet food and farming’s labour needs and what will be the future trading arrangements between the UK and Europe as well as the UK and the rest of the world,” said Mccornick.
“Setting a concrete direction of travel is at present very difficult and it was clear from discussions with both Cabinet Secretaries that greater certainty is required from the UK Government on future agricultural funding and the freedom that Scotland will have to determine the correct agricultural policy needed for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
“We also pressed the case that any future agricultural policy must involve securing a fairer supply chain. There would be huge benefits to farmers, crofters and the national economy if the supply chain were to deliver for all,” said Mccornick.
The week also saw the first meeting of the National Council of Rural Advisors – the group announced by Ewing at the Highland show to help advise on the potential implications of Brexit and to make recommendations on future rural and environmental policy. The group will publish their initial recommendations later in the year.