Farming union NFU Scotland has called for politicians to "recognise and protect" the economic and environmental contribution of Scottish agriculture in the Brexit negotiations.
That was the message delivered at an NFU Scotland fringe event staged at the Scottish National Party (SNP) conference in Glasgow on Monday (9 October).
The fringe events are the first that NFU Scotland has ever staged at political party conferences. The union said it wants to portray a "clear indication" of the work and commitment that it is directing towards Brexit negotiations.
The SNP event was addressed by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, and chaired by NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick.
Those attending the fringe event were rewarded with a feast of the Scottish produce including soft fruit from Blairgowrie; cheese including Mull cheddar, Strathdon Blue and Clava brie; and Dalwhinnie malt whisky.
Bigger than oil
Mr McCornick has just returned from the North American/European Union Biennial agricultural conference held in Washington DC.
His lobbying effort on Brexit has seen him in four parliaments in the past fortnight – Capitol Hill in Washington; the European Parliament in Brussels; Westminster and Holyrood.
Speaking from the SNP conference, Mr McCornick said: “With a value of more than £14 billion, food and drink is a bigger driver of Scotland's economy than oil and gas.
"But with big ambitions to grow the industry to £30 billion by 2030, that means striking a Brexit deal that gives confidence to Scotland’s farmers and crofters for the future."
'Booming'
He said Scottish farmers and crofters are the "foundation" on which Scotland's "booming" food and drink sector is built.
"Having toured the length and breadth of the country this summer, I can tell you we are up for the challenge, but to deliver on these ambitions we must be supported by all governments as we deal with the uncertainty of a future outside of the EU," Mr McCornick said.
“The quality of debate at today’s event further underlined the important role Scottish farming plays. But we cannot take this for granted. The whole industry must unite to deliver strong messages to all governments about what policy tools we need in the toolbox.
“And setting out Scotland’s Brexit priorities is a challenge that has taken me to Washington, Brussels, Westminster and Holyrood in recent days.
"Equally, Scottish farmers and crofters must make their voices heard in the debate."
