Scottish farmers call for UK-wide framework to replace Common Agricultural Policy
Interesting the things Brexit throws up – did you know about the differential benefit the current system gives to Scottish farmers? This article tells us:
Scotland’s farmers and landowners will tell MSPs tomorrow the replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy after Brexit must have a UK-wide framework so the British market is not fragmented.
NFU Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates will warn against the creation of internal UK trade barriers by having entirely different systems of agriculture support north and south of the Borders.
But they support Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for all agriculture powers that are repatriated from Brussels to be devolved, provided that the Scottish Government then negotiate with Westminster to provide a single UK framework.
In a submission to a Holyrood inquiry ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, Scottish Land & Estates warned the First Minister that rejecting an “over-arching” UK framework could see farm support cut in half.
UK ministers could make agricultural funding subject to the Barnett formula, the landowners warned, meaning Scotland getting a population share of around nine per cent of total CAP funds instead of the 16 per cent currently allocated.