Newly elected MPs have been given three key demands from the Scottish farming sector by NFU Scotland.
Top of the farming union’s list of demands is for government to carry out an urgent review of Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) budget allocations.
It wants Westminster politicians to reassess the decision not to give Scotland an extra 223million euros (£164million) for its Cap buget, which was money allocated to the UK from the EU to bring Scotland’s per hectare subsidy support figure more in line with the European average.
The farming union has also urged government to “remove the imbalances in the supply chain” and to maximise opportunities in both the domestic and export markets.
“This election has signalled a significant shift in politics in Scotland,” said NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie.
“With a majority Conservative vote, it will be important that the government is seen to listen and deliver on the needs of farmers in Scotland, and for MPs across the UK to come together and secure the best future for our industry.”
The union hoped to meet with the new Defra minister as soon as he or she was elected to ensure that key issues in Scottish farming formed part of his or her agenda, added Mr Bowie.
“There remains unfinished business on the issue of budget convergence. There had been strong commitment from two former Defra ministers to address this issue after the election to ensure budget imbalance to Scotland is readdressed, and Single Farm Payment rates have parity across the UK,” said Mr Bowie.
Commenting on any upcoming referendum on EU membership, Mr Bowie said the vast majority of Scots farmers and crofters were in favour of remaining within Europe.
“Scottish farming currently receives millions of pounds in support from the EU each year via the Cap,” added Mr Bowie.
“Without this vital support, many Scottish farms would no longer be viable. In addition, the European export market is important for Scottish agriculture. If we were to exit the EU, Scottish producers would still have to comply with EU rules if we wanted to access these markets.”