The head of the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland has warned MPs that agriculture must not become expendable in the Brexit negotiations.
President Allan Bowie hammered home the message at a reception in Westminster.
Mr Bowie said: “Agriculture is at the heart of Scotland’s booming food and drink industry, which returns billions to Scotland’s economy and employs over 360,000 people.
“In addition, Scotland’s farmers and crofters underpin community life in some of the most remote parts of the country, contribute massively to environmental goals, and play a vital role in Scotland’s rural economy.
“It is for this reason that agriculture must not become expendable in the negotiations to leave the EU – a message the union has continually argued since the referendum outcome.
“We are only at the start of what will be a long period of drawn out negotiations, and it is important we set out our principles of trade and agricultural policy for the long-term benefit for our industry at this relatively early stage.”
The president said he looked forward to receiving an update on the UK Government’s negotiating position from Scottish Secretary David Mundell tomorrow at NFU Scotland’s autumn conference.
Discussions at the Westminster event were based around the Beyond Brexit documents, published by the organisation last week.
They highlight the importance of a robust trade agreement for Scottish produce, and an adequately funded policy framework for Scottish agriculture which will foster resilience, productivity and profitability for the industry in future years.