NFU Scotland (NFUS) president Andrew McCornick has called on all political parties to set out their plans for agriculture and food production in a post-Brexit era.
He said news that a snap General Election will take place on June 8 would only add to Scottish farmers, crofters and food producers’ “mounting questions about the future”.
“Clearly, this election will be fought on one overarching issue – Brexit. It is absolutely vital that the significant interests of the agricultural industry are heard properly in this election campaign given our clear interest in the Brexit negotiations,” added Mr McCornick.
“The manifesto process will allow every party the opportunity to flesh out exactly what they want from the Brexit process. It is vital that they take the opportunity to clearly state what their vision is for agriculture and food production in the post-Brexit era. NFUS will seek to influence and scrutinise those manifestos and, despite the relatively short timetable between now and the election, we will pull together our own document reiterating our priorities for Scottish farmers and crofters.”
He said the union would hold a national hustings event prior to the election.