The Scottish government is calling for full inclusion in all future negotiations on the European Common Agricultural Policy following results of a new poll.
The poll carried out by The Scottish Farmer newspaper asked whether or not DEFRA would look after Scotland’s interests during CAP discussions, to which 100% of respondents said no.
Responding to the poll, SNP MSP for south Scotland, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “This is the clearest indication yet that Scottish farmers don’t trust Westminster to look after their unique interests in the forthcoming CAP negotiations.
“Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, has made it clear that not only is he ready and willing to take an active part in the discussions in order to represent the Scottish agriculture industry, but also that he is best placed to do so.”
He added: “DEFRA are not doing themselves any favours in the eyes of Scottish agriculture workers by excluding Scottish ministers from the negotiations. It is not too late for them to change their minds and do the responsible thing by letting the Scottish Government, who are responsible for rural affairs in Scotland, step in to put the strongest possible case for Scottish interests.
“The situation is fast approaching whereby Scotland will be forgotten and left out in the cold again in terms of European legislation. We cannot allow this to happen at a time when Scottish farm incomes are increasing but costs are rising. A balance must be found and the CAP negotiations are the ideal time to do this.
“If Westminster continue with their ridiculous insistence on excluding Richard Lochhead from the talks, they will not be forgiven by Scotland's farmers.”
A DEFRA spokeswoman said:
“DEFRA ministers and officials have developed strong working relationships with counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and hold regular meetings ahead of Agriculture Councils so that the UK speaks with one voice in Europe.
"We will continue to fight for the best possible deal for all of the UK’s farmers, taxpayers and the environment.”