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NFU SCOTLAND has warned farmers and crofters are being consulted on future agriculture policy for the nation in an information void.

When the proposals for a new Agriculture Bill were launched at the end of August,the union said the detail needed on eligible support options was not part of the consultation process.

President Martin Kennedy said: It remains hugely frustrating that the Scottish Government, despite several requests from NFU Scotland and other stakeholders, has yet to set out any clear options as to how any new powers created by the proposed new Agriculture Bill will put food production at the heart of delivering all the economic, social and environmental benefits that active agricultural businesses will be asked to deliver.

NFU Scotland has been unequivocal that the new powers must be used to target future direct support at active farming and crofting both to provide financial stability through post-Brexit turbulence and severe market volatility and to reward actions that improve productivity and build resilience.

Only with the buy-in of farmers and crofters across Scotland can Scottish Government turn the dry legislation of a new Agriculture Bill into practices that deliver for food, climate and nature, but we need to know now what those options look like.