SIR, – I am writing to ask the farming community to look at the Brexit vote more positively, whether they voted remain or leave.

Now is the chance to give our politicians a reason to back agriculture to assist in reducing the UK trade deficit.

For years, farmers have been encouraged to cut production, to take land out for environmental schemes that have little or no place in Scotland, but are designed for France or Germany in the EU’s one size fits all CAP.

The UK’s food deficit has soared to more than £14bn, up from £11bn in 2011. Agriculture is the one industry that can turn on the taps and increase production instantly.

In eight to 12 months, production could increase towards reducing, or removing, this deficit with production subsidies. The farming bodies need to get together to lobby the politicians with a reason to back agriculture, the NFUS, STFA, QMS et al could put together a case to show how farming can help boost the economy.

Yes, the EU has provided subsidies when we all wonder whether the UK government would have helped. But there is no doubt that farming incomes are stretched, commodity prices are low, we are importing milk, pork and chicken while our own farmers go bust.

When in the EU we must allow free trade; we must allow food to come in from nations with lower costs. With Brexit that is no longer the case.

We need production subsidies to allow us to sell our commodities on the world market, while retaining jobs and livelihoods in the UK.

Now is not the time to sit and think about what was, we need to be thinking about what can be. Get hold of your trade representative and give them your support and voice.

George McLaren

McLaren Tractors