Don’t reject the CAP – help to reform it instead

SIR, – From Caithness to the Borders, Scotland’s farmers know the financial and social benefits of EU membership.
Europe’s Common Agricultural Policy has supported sustainable farming and delivered investment that has modernised the industry and rejuvenated rural communities.
CAP accounts for 40% of European funding and every pound that is spent is roughly equivalent to £4 going into Scotland’s rural economy.
Europe delivers vital funding for Scotland’s farmers and landowners, helping to maintain farming and forestry in vulnerable areas and supporting a wide range of agri-environmental, food, rural and community activities across the nation.
In the current financial period, 2014–2020, Scotland will receive around €4.6bn (more than £3.4bn) from Europe to implement the Common Agricultural Policy in Scotland.
Our EU membership is vital not only for our farmers but for the future of our rural communities.
We need to vote ‘Remain’ for continued funding, industry diversification and to secure key farming skills for the future. Like many of our European neighbours, Scotland has a proud farming tradition.
The NFUS have been clear that any drop in, or removal of, direct financial support could lead to a significant number of Scottish farm businesses hitting barriers.
As farmers across Europe face difficulties, now is not the time to play fast and loose with our EU membership. The European Union allows solidarity from Glasgow to Gdansk and means farmers across Europe can speak with one voice to call for a brighter future in the sector.
We call on the UK government to make the positive case for remaining a member of the EU.
Scotland’s rural communities want the UK to reform European agricultural policy, not reject it.