The future UK Government will only deliver a “good deal” to Scotland’s farmers if it centres its efforts around trade, policy and migrant labour.
Launching its manifesto ahead of the general election on June 8, NFU Scotland (NFUS) has anchored three cornerstones for industry upon which it wants future negotiations to be built.
“The current government is on record stating that a ‘good deal will be one that works for all parts of the UK’ and we will want to hold the government formed after June 8 to that commitment,” said NFUS president Andrew McCornick. He said this “good deal” must include a bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement, a re-drawn agricultural policy coupled to a ring-fenced budget and a sensible approach to controlled immigration.
Fundamentally only success in these prioritised areas will satisfy Scotland’s farmers, added Mr McCornick.
The union’s manifesto states: “Agriculture can thrive across the UK if the opportunity is taken to develop new policies that break away from the shackles of the Common Agricultural Policy and are fit for the unique circumstances of the four parts of UK.”
It calls for a new agricultural policy that is simpler, more flexible, and encouraging of positive change.