Independence will deliver for rural Scotland, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead declared today.
He was speaking just hours after a survey by Liberal Democrat MEP George Lyon which showed 72% of the 1,846 farmers responding to it backed Scotland remaining in the UK.
Mr Lochhead, in his new year message, described 2014 as a truly momentous year for Scottish farming and the nation in view of the referendum on September 18 and the implementation of Cap reform.
He renewed complaints about the UK Government’s lack of support on agricultural matters, adding that if it had got its way in the council of ministers then Cap budgets would have been reduced further, piling further woes on Scottish farmers who already suffer from the poorest share in the EU.
Mr Lochhead again implied membership of the EU would be automatic for an independent Scotland, despite the scorn poured on that view by EU leaders and other governments.
He added: “That’s one reason why we need to speak up for ourselves in Europe and not let others speak for us.
“I firmly believe that independence will deliver major gains for Scotland’s farmers and rural communities. For example, with independence, Scotland will be able to negotiate directly within the EU and we will make the agriculture sector a priority, including vital future discussions on the Cap.
“If Scotland had been independent during the recent Cap negotiations, we would have qualified for a one billion euro (£829million) agricultural subsidy uplift.
“We would also have had the opportunity to join 16 other EU countries in negotiating hundreds of millions of euros more in rural development funding – money that we could invest in rural tourism, environmental protection, broadband and renewables, and start-up assistance for young farmers.”
Mr Lochhead said that if Scotland remains a part of the UK there is no guarantee of farm support continuing as the Tories plan a referendum on continued EU membership.
“It is clear to me the only government capable of properly representing Scotland’s interests is a government elected by, and directly accountable to, the people of Scotland,” he added.
Mr Lochhead spoke about the need to prioritise rural development support because of the poor budget allocation. Designing a direct payments system which is fair, simple and as green as possible is another priority, as is addressing discrimination and giving new entrants access to full support from the outset of the new Cap next year.
Industry has complained about the mandatory greening measures in the Cap and the problems that will cause. But Mr Lochhead said greening was a tremendous opportunity for Scottish farming and an opportunity to take Scotland’s already green image globally one step further to showcase its environmental credentials and carve out a niche in world markets.
Land reform and a review of agricultural holdings legislation are two other key areas in 2014. With land a key part of national identity it was essential it worked in the interests of the people of Scotland and contributed to building a fairer society which supported the rural economy.
He added: “The decisions we make in 2014, in the full glare of the global spotlight, will determine the future of this land. These are important decisions and it is important we get them right.”
Responding to Mr Lochhead’s message, Mr Lyon said the only way to protect Scotland’s seat at the EU was through continued membership of the United Kingdom.
“Richard Lochhead has a history of promising us the earth but on issues like the EU he is making pledges that he knows he cannot deliver,” said Mr Lyon.
“If Scotland were to vote for independence of course I would want us to remain part of the EU. But European Ministers have queued up to pour cold water on the SNP’s claims.
“It is Richard Lochhead’s independence plans that are the biggest threat to future prosperity of Scottish Agriculture as they put at risk the many positive things that our farmers have come to take for granted as part of the UK.”