Scottish independence Paper gives farming priority

Scotland’s farmers have been promised a better future in an independent Scotland in a White Paper published by the Scottish Government.

High priority is given to farming and rural issues in the paper which points out that the output of Scotland’s rural economy of £32bn represents 30% of the total Scottish economy.

The paper has been published by the SNP government as part of the “yes” campaign for independence. The independence vote is due to take place next September and first minister, Alex Salmond, has already declared March 24, 2016, as independence day if the Scottish electorate vote in favour.

The  650-page White Paper pledges:
 
1) a direct voice in Europe for Scottish farmers
2) farming levies used to promote Scottish produce (the levy on Scottish livestock processed in England currently goes to the English meat promotional bodies)
3) a reduced burden of livestock regulation
4) support for new entrants.

“Direct representation in Europe will allow an independent Scotland a full voice in negotiations affecting key Scottish sectors, including agriculture, to reflect Scottish priorities and benefit rural communities,” the paper states.

Scotland’s rural affairs cabinet secretary, Richard Lochhead, is excluded from negotiations in Brussels and has to depend on DEFRA ministers to present Scotland’s case which, on such major issues as the continuation of farming subsidies, is diametrically opposed to the UK stance.

The paper is scathing of the UK Government’s alleged failure to properly represent Scotland’s interests and suggests Scotland could have fared much better in recent CAP negotiations if it had an independent voice.

“An independent Scotland will be able to negotiate directly to ensure Scotland does not lose out in future,” the paper states. “Scotland has been let down by Westminster which has argued and acted against Scotland’s interests.”

The paper points out that Scotland will have the lowest average payment per hectare than any other country in Europe under the reformed CAP and the lowest Pillar 2 payment for rural development.

It is argued that Scotland could have secured an additional £1 billion of EU support over the next seven years if the UK had properly represented Scotland’s interests.

“These benefits are vital to ensure our farmers continue to produce food, deliver environmental benefits and sustain our rural communities,” the paper states.

This article was updated on Wednesday 11 December to remove an inaccuracy.

For more on this topic

Scots farmers launch pro-independence group