NFUS chief calls for ‘fair share’ in next Budget
The farming industry will need to work hand in glove with the Scottish Government to make sure the country receives its fair share of funding for agricultural policy from the UK Treasury.
Writing to Scottish cabinet secretary for finance, the economy and fair work, Derek Mackay MSP, ahead of next week’s annual Budget statement, NFU Scotland this week outlined a number of measures required to ensure a smooth transition and a prosperous future for the industry outside the EU.
Emphasising that avoiding a “no-deal” Brexit was paramount, union president Andrew Mccornick said that getting the right deal on future relations with the EU could create the opportunity to build a new agricultural policy in Scotland that would drive the industry to become more competitive, resilient and profitable.
However, he added that the level of funding available would be equally important – and that the union would work with the Scottish Government to gain a fair share of the overall farm budget.
Mccornick said the union would also work closely with the administration to find a solution to the cuts set to be imposed
on the less favoured area support scheme (LFASS) which is currently jointly funded by the EU and the Scottish Government.
Calling these payments “a lifeline” for many of the country’s remote and hill areas, Mccornick said: “Whatever solution is found, it will have consequences for Scottish Government’s spending priorities.
“Nfushasstronglyurged Scottish Government to look favourably on the LFASS in light of its significance to a great number of Scotland’s agricultural businesses – many of which are located on Scotland’s most challenged landscapes and are the cornerstone of remote and fragile rural economies.”
Mccornick also asked for funding for the new entrant’s capital grant scheme and the processing and marketing grants co-operation scheme to be reinstated to give the
next generation of farmers and crofters the necessary financial tools to allow their fledgling businesses to be successful.
And looking forward with one eye on next year’s ban on on-farm incineration of waste plastics, he said: “Given the challenges farmers and the food sector face in tackling waste and adding value, we have asked for government support to be invested in schemes in local areas that will assist food producers in cutting waste and contributing to the circular rural economy.”
He said the union had asked if it would be possible to key into funding from the underspent circular economy fund to assist with projects which were already at an advanced stage – such as those for pop-up abattoirs or recycling of agricultural plastics.