NFUS expresses concern over rebate argument

NFU SCOTLAND has expressed “serious” concerns at the UK government’s willingness to seek further reform of the CAP in exchange for movement on the UK rebate.

John Kinnaird, NFUS president, has written to Tony Blair expressing his concern.

“The ink is barely dry on the latest agreement which was warmly welcomed by the UK government,” said Mr Kinanaird.

“I share the views of Mr Blair’s cabinet which described this reform as a massive achievement.  To undermine these now by re-opening the whole issue is potentially damaging and destabilising for Scotland’s agricultural industry,” he added.

In his letter Mr Kinnaird points out that the recent reforms of the CAP are the biggest for 40 years he points out that these reforms do more to safeguard the environment rather than pay farmers to produce food.

“Farming subsidies represent a very small proportion of UK government expenditure, but that support generates billons of pounds of additional economic activity across rural Britain.

“Our food industry, countryside and thousands of other rural businesses and jobs could all suffer if Mr Blair decides that farming stability can be sacrificed in the name of the UK rebate,” he added.