A WORRYING number of Scottish farmers and crofters are yet to make any changes to their business planning despite impending Brexit – as revealed in the results of NFU Scotland’s ‘Brexit and Business Confidence’ survey released this morning (June 20).

The first day of the Royal Highland Show marks three years since the historic referendum vote which saw the British public vote to leave the European Union and has dominated news headlines and policy discussions thereafter.

The backlash of Brexit negotiations has been felt hard in the farming sector as the continued uncertainty has stunted growth and investments in agriculture and as revealed by the survey - a significant number of respondents indicated that Brexit has already had an impact on their business through increased costs and the postponement of planned new investments. A majority of respondents claim to be budgeting for a significant increase in input costs post-Brexit and high number revealed difficulties in recruiting staff, expecting this to escalate post-Brexit.

Around 700 members responded to the survey and the majority revealed they are negative or very negative about post-Brexit farming or crofting in Scotland, regardless of whether we leave the EU with or without a deal. However, the resilience of the sector stands with a significant majority stating that they continue to see their future in farming and crofting.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing commented: “This NFUS survey reflects the uncertainty and concern over the impact of leaving the EU – it is not surprising and further demonstrates the terrible impact Brexit will have on Scotland’s economy.

“The low level of preparedness is worrying, though this is not unique to the agricultural industry, and the Scottish Government will continue to do what it can to provide businesses with guidance on how to prepare for Brexit, whatever scenario we may face.

“We are now over two months into the extension period and the UK Government has still to provide much needed clarity on key issues that would enable farmers, crofters and rural businesses to prepare for the possibility of leaving the EU. This current drift is not acceptable,” he stressed.

A UK Government spokesman reacted to the findings: “We want to provide stability for all UK farmers and have already guaranteed that the amount we allocate to farm support will be protected in cash terms until the end of this Parliament. We also launched a review to ensure the challenges Scotland’s unique landscape brings are fully recognised in future farm support allocations.”

The Union distributed the survey to members in mid-May receiving the largest response rate to a member survey in recent NFUS history at around 700 answers.

These results will give NFUS a clear mandate on lobbying priorities as it continues to negotiate with decision-makers on Brexit and a new agricultural policy for Scotland in the future.