Rachael Hamilton MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, has lambasted the SNP Government over its continual failings to provide farmers with clarification.
This morning, the Scottish Government were embarrassingly forced to publish the draft Farming and Food Production Future Policy Group Report after a Freedom of Information request.
The report, which is informing the future policy direction of farming post-Brexit, has been delayed for over a year, despite the Scottish Government previously committing to publish it in June 2020.
Mrs Hamilton welcomed the work of the advisory group, however believes the SNP have failed to offer clarity in a timely manner to the industry.
The advisory group highlighted the need for Scottish farming to adapt following the departure from the Common Agricultural Policy, which has imposed unnecessary bureaucracy on farmers for decades. It has suggested policy ideas which aim to drive forward efficiencies, increase farm productivity and improve environmental quality.
The report calls for the Scottish Government to work closely with the rest of the UK, a point which Mrs Hamilton believes is integral to the importance of the UK single market.
The Borders MSP raised a Point of Order in the Scottish Parliament, criticising the Government for releasing the draft report at the eleventh hour at the end of the Parliamentary term, without any opportunity for scrutiny.
She has urged the Scottish Government to publish the final report in earnest, given the concerns of industry leaders.
Rachael Hamilton said:
‘I want firstly thank those on the advisory group for their expertise and input, but it is a disservice to their hard work that the SNP have sat on this report and failed to publish thus far.
‘We were promised this report last June and it’s concerning it is still in draft form given the time that has passed.
‘I welcome many of the draft recommendations including the need to work with the rest of the UK, which will protect our important UK internal market.
‘I also welcome the need to move away from the EU CAP regime which caused so much red tape and bureaucracy for farmers.
‘Driving forward efficiency, increasing productivity and improving the environment are all sentiments we share with the advisory group.
‘The SNP need to take note of the calls for the urgent need for policy direction, for as long as there are delays, farmers cannot invest in their businesses, and we continue to be at a disadvantage to others elsewhere in the UK, where policy plans are more advanced’