Sir, – Brexit is the biggest challenge farmers in Scotland will face in their lifetime. 

The current subsidy system is a lifeline to many farmers especially upland livestock farmers.

So, we have a choice to make on June 8, which will have a huge impact on farming and rural communities.  

The Conservative manifesto states on page 26: “So we will continue to commit the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end of the parliament.” 

The Labour party has made it clear that if they take power they will only guarantee the current level of farm support up to 2019 (BBC Radio 4 Farming Today, May 30, 2017). 

As someone who visited New Zealand before writing my Nuffield Report , ‘Farming without subsidies’. I am of the firm belief that, regardless of your political persuasion, on this occasion we must vote Conservative. 

Those extra three years of farm support will, in my opinion, be vital to allow Scottish farmers to adjust and adapt and even, yes, for some to survive. 

Gordon Rennie
Stenton Farm,
Fife,
St Monans