First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has accused pro-Brexit ministers in London of 'grabbing power' from Scotland by refusing to honour referendum pledges to protect the country’s farmers.
She said it is 'vital' for farming powers to be transferred from the European Union direct to Holyrood.
Speaking at the NFU Scotland conference on Tuesday (7 February), Ms Sturgeon said agriculture was a devolved issue, so only Scotland, and not Westminster, should determine its own policies as far as possible.
The first minister said there was mounting anxiety that Andrea Leadsom, the environment and agriculture secretary, wanted to impose a UK-wide agriculture policy and seize control over about £500m in Scottish farm subsidies.
But Ms Sturgeon said future decisions must reflect "Scotland's distinct priorities".
Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, predicted 'an almighty political row' over the coming months about whether Holyrood or Westminster should be running agriculture.
'Biggest challenge to farming'
Ms Sturgeon told the conference that Brexit "presents the biggest challenge to farming in Scotland in our generation".
“There should be no question that responsibility for agricultural policy remains with the Scottish parliament,” she said.
“Anything else would not be grabbing power from Europe, it would be grabbing power from the Scottish parliament and that would be unacceptable.”
“Agriculture is a more important part of Scotland's economy than the UK because of our landscape and climate. So it's important for the agriculture sector that Scotland has a strong say in the negotiations with the EU.
“It's vital to ensuring that the settlement which is reached meets your needs and the Scottish government will work with the industry to make the sector as sustainable and efficient as possible.
“In addition, it is also vital that any powers which are transferred from the European Union, at the time of Brexit, must go to the Scottish Parliament rather than to Westminster. It is the best way of ensuring that future decisions on farming reflect Scotland's distinct priorities."
