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Union Unwavering in Securing the Best Deal

Political impasse must not derail future policy development

NFU Scotland is unwavering in its work to secure the best possible deal for Scottish farmers and crofters.   With political controversy and Brexit uncertainty dominating the agenda, the Union is adamant that the development of the right future agricultural policy for Scotland must remain the focus.

In order to develop and implement a new, ‘non-CAP’ policy from 2021, primary legislation is required.  The UK Agriculture Bill, currently moving from the Commons to the Lords in Westminster, is ‘enabling’ legislation that would provide significantly broad powers to current and future governments to provide financial assistance and make other policy interventions around land use and agriculture.

However, the Scottish Government has identified various issues with the Agriculture Bill and has made it clear that it will not take a Schedule in the Agriculture Bill unless these issues are resolved.  NFUS also shares some of these concerns.

NFUS also understands that the Scottish Government is keeping open the option of introducing its own Agriculture Bill to the Scottish Parliament. A Scottish Agriculture Bill could be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in Autumn 2019, and be in statute by the end of 2020.  That could provide equivalent legislation to that of the UK Government’s Agriculture Bill, allowing for Scottish Government to make payments in the 2020 payment year and for Scotland to subsequently develop and implement a new ‘non-CAP’ agricultural policy beyond the transition period.

The Agriculture Bill was discussed with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove, when he met with North East farmers in Aberdeenshire on Saturday (15 December).

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “From the outset, NFU Scotland has been unequivocal in stating that the priority from the entire Brexit process must the interests of Scottish agriculture and all that it underpins, including the food and drinks sectors. As an organisation, our primary interest has never wavered from securing the best possible outcome for Scottish agriculture.

“Leaving the EU will mean leaving the CAP – providing a unique opportunity to develop and implement a new domestic agriculture policy that fits the needs of Scottish agriculture.  That change in how agriculture is supported has been needed for a very long time; Brexit will be the catalyst for that change, rather than the reason.

“The UK Government and the Scottish Government must take this chance to rethink support and reshape the operating environment for all agricultural businesses.

“Our ‘Steps to Change’ proposals, launched in late March, were recently sense checked with hundreds of our members at 13 roadshows the length and breadth of Scotland and we continue to develop a clear and effective approach for the next phase of agricultural policy beyond the CAP.

“Whilst it is important that we have continuity and stability through transition, the ability to develop and implement new agricultural policies that are bespoke to the unique and differing needs of Scotland must be the shared focal point.

“The politics around this are hugely frustrating and challenging.  We are seeking clarity from the Scottish Government of its intentions not to take powers via a Schedule in the UK Government’s Agriculture Bill, but rather to utilise a Scottish Agricultural Bill to deliver a new Scottish agricultural policy beyond the CAP.

“At the same time, NFUS is also working hard in Westminster to keep the option open for a Scottish Schedule in the UK Agriculture Bill – given that legislative vehicle is already very well advanced.

“This ‘belt and braces’ approach may draw political comment, but it’s in the best interests of Scottish agriculture while so much of the politics is mired in impasse.

“Without a legal basis, either as a Schedule in the UK Agriculture Bill or a separate Scottish Agriculture Bill, there will be no scope to develop a future agricultural policy that is best suited to the needs of Scotland’s farmers and crofters as they seek to move out of the shadow of the CAP.”  

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006

Author: Bob Carruth

Date Published:

News Article No.: 169/18


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About The Author

Bob Carruth

A dairy farmer’s son, I joined NFU Scotland in 1999 after 13 years as an agricultural journalist. Following spells as a regional manager and policy lead on milk, livestock and animal health and welfare, I became Communications Director in 2008.

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