RESPONDING to Defra minister Michael Gove's recent comments on the future shape of UK farm support policy, the National Farmers Union Scotland has claimed that they were largely in line with its own discussion document, titled 'Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit', which was launched at this year's Royal Highland Show.

"The union’s vision for the next decade is a managed transition from 2017 to 2027 to an action-based support system," said a union spokesman. "It wants to capitalise on new market opportunities, coupled with a new domestic agricultural policy, that will move our farmers and crofters to a position where market returns are the primary driver of profitability."

Director of policy at NFUS, Jonnie Hall, added that while there was much reference to green Brexit, there was a "significant amount" of agricultural content within Mr Gove's speech, which was complementary of NFUS' wishes for Scottish agriculture: “The Secretary of State’s statement that support must be earned chimes with our thoughts.

"We would want to see a properly-funded policy, supported by science-led decision making, that builds on our animal health and welfare record and is focused on productivity and profitability gains," said Mr Hall. “That means, in the future, there is a justifiable case for Scottish agriculture to receive the same levels of funding it currently receives, ring-fenced and spent in new and more effective ways to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience."

At the same time, Mr Hall welcomed Mr Gove's recognition for the special circumstances in the hills and uplands.

He commented: "That is an issue we were able to raise with the minister when we met at the Highland Show, and we have extended an invite to the minister and his team to visit Scotland soon and view the unique and diverse agricultural systems found north of the border."