SCOTTISH agriculture makes a huge economic and environmental contribution to the wellbeing of the country – and politicians of all parties must act to protect this during the Brexit negotiations.

Speaking at an NFU Scotland fringe event staged at the Scottish National Party conference in Glasgow this week, union president Andrew McCornick said: “With a value of more than £14 billion, food and drink is a bigger driver of Scotland's economy than oil and gas. But with big ambitions to grow the industry to £30 billion by 2030, that means striking a Brexit deal that gives confidence to Scotland’s farmers and crofters for the future.

“Scottish farmers and crofters are the foundation on which our booming food and drink sector is built. Having toured the length and breadth of the country this summer, I can tell you we are up for the challenge, but to deliver on these ambitions we must be supported by all governments as we deal with the uncertainty of a future outside of the EU," said Mr McCornick.

“The quality of debate at today’s event further underlined the important role Scottish farming plays. But we cannot take this for granted. The whole industry must unite to deliver strong messages to all governments about what policy tools we need in the toolbox."

Mr McCornick has just returned from the North American/European Union Biennial agricultural conference held in Washington DC – which means that his lobbying efforts on Brexit have seen him in four parliaments in the past fortnight; Capitol Hill in Washington; the European Parliament in Brussels; Westminster and Holyrood.

Closer to home, NFUS will shortly be embarking on a nationwide Brexit roadshow to allow its members to talk directly to officeholders, so they in turn can make a 'clear and unambiguous' case to politicians and policymakers.

“We already know from the significant amount of engagement we have had with members in recent months that any new agricultural policy for the UK after we leave Europe and the CAP must have significant inbuilt flexibilities to deliver at a devolved level," said Mr McCornick. "This approach will allow the right policies to be developed for the right areas, allowing Scotland’s active farmers and crofters to improve productivity and the environment – rather than incentivising inertia."