First of all, I would like to pay tribute to farmers right across the UK for their hard work in looking after our countryside and putting food on our tables.
As you will know, agriculture is a largely devolved issue and therefore a matter for the Scottish Government.
The future of Scottish agriculture was debated recently within the Scottish Parliament where my MSP colleagues made the point that leaving the Common Agriculture Policy gives Scotland the prospect of implementing a future support system which can be used to improve support for animal welfare. I agree that while efficient food production must be at the forefront of any new agricultural policy in Scotland, it should also be built upon strong environmental and animal welfare standards.
