Themes of stability, security, simplification and support echoed in Union’s own ‘Steps to Change’ documents

NFU Scotland has welcomed the launch of Scottish Government’s consultation on the future of Scottish agricultural support post-Brexit.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing highlighted the need for stability, security, ongoing support and simplification for Scottish farmers and crofters.

These themes have been strong features in the suite of ‘CHANGE’ documents published by NFU Scotland in recent times including its ‘STEPS TO CHANGE: A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland’ launched in late March and ‘Post-Brexit Priorities for Legislative Change’ launched in autumn 2017.

NFUS President Andrew McCornick said: "Since the Brexit vote two years ago, NFU Scotland has been on the front foot in developing the basis for a new agricultural policy for Scotland as we step out of the shadow of 40 years of CAP.

"With publication of the Griggs Report, the Agricultural Champions report and National Council of Rural Advisors consultation, momentum is building to identify the right policies for Scotland and manage inevitable change at a pace that suits our industry.

“We have encouraged the Scottish Government to come forward with a Scottish agricultural policy that will support active farmers and crofters and help support profitable farming.  We welcome the Cabinet Secretary's call for views and see this as an important step in delivering the correct policy for Scottish farmers and crofters.

“Our 'Steps to Change' document, launched in late March, maps out our vision of a bold, agricultural policy geared towards activity, providing stability and delivering a profitable farming sector that will underpin the huge social and environmental contribution made by our farmers and crofters to the Scottish economy.

“Likewise, the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment to look at legislative simplification and addressing the disproportionate mapping, inspection and penalty process will be music to the ears of farmers and crofters and mirrors our own priorities.

"At an economic level, future policy must recognise that agriculture already supports more than 75,000 businesses in the food and drinks industry.  With food and drink our leading manufacturing sector, and ambitions for growth in the years ahead, policy developments must recognise that profitable and productive farmers and crofters are at the heart of this Scottish success story.

"The timescale for responses is tight but we need decisions sooner than later, we need a policy to support activity mapped out to give confidence to the industry.  If all are willing then Scottish Government and industry can work together to find solutions for productive, profitable agriculture going forward."  

Notes to Editors

• NFU Scotland’s STEPS TO CHANGE: A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland can be read at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/Policy/Brexit/STEPS%20FOR%20CHANGE%20March%202018%20-%20for%20email.pdf
• NFU Scotland’s Post-Brexit Priorities for Legislative Change can be read at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/News%20Release/Change%20Document%20August%202017%20website.pdf
  

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006