NFU demands ‘delivery’ from new Scottish Conservative MPS

Politicians north and south of the Border have so far been reluctant to give farmers many clues on post-brexit agricultural policies but yesterday, NFU Scotland – as the first move in a two-pronged attack – set out their stall at a Tory conference fringe event.

At the event – the first time in recent history the Union had organised such an meeting at a party conference – vice-president Martin Kennedy said Scottish farmers and crofters had to make their voices heard in the debate.

“We already know from the significant amount of engagement we have had with members in recent months that any new agricultural policy for the UK 0 Martin Kennedy issued a challenge on behalf of NFU after we leave Europe and the CAP must have significant inbuilt flexibilities to deliver at a devolved level,” he said..

“This approach will allow the right policies to be developed for the right areas, allowing Scotland’s active farmers and crofters to improve productivity and the environment – rather than incentivising inertia.”

During the meeting, it was made clear by the union that, with 13 new Conservative MPS representing Scotland in the Commons, it must see “delivery on behalf of their agricultural constituents”.

Kennedy added: “Conferences are where the foundations of party policy begin. Attending the Conservative conference in this important year for Scottish agriculture is giving NFUS greater access to key decision-makers.”

In the second phase of the lobbying operation, the union will, next week, attend the SNP conference in Glasgow where, at a fringe meeting, president Andrew Mccornick will call on cabinet secretary for rural economy and connectivity Fergus Ewing to update the union on policy progress.