UK UNIONS SPELL OUT PRIORITIES IN EUROPEAN MANIFESTO
Scottish Union to host hustings events ahead of May 22 elections
NFU Scotland has joined other UK unions in outlining its priorities for the next European parliamentary term.
NFU Scotland’s President Nigel Miller and Parliamentary Officer Clare Slipper attended the launch in Brussels of the UK Farming Union’s manifesto – ‘Backing the Business of British Farming’ – prepared ahead of the European elections in May.
The document was produced by the British Agricultural Bureau (BAB), the office representing NFU Scotland, NFU England, Ulster Farmers’ Union and NFU Cymru in Europe.
‘Backing the Business of British Farming’ highlights how important farming and food production is to the UK and European economies and vital to growth and employment in rural areas across the continent. It contains sections on CAP, international trade, the environment, science and technology, food supply chains and crop protection.
Ahead of the elections, NFU Scotland will be producing an additional manifesto, focussing on Scottish issues and hosting two European election hustings events – one in Lanarkshire on May 6 and one in Aberdeenshire on May 8 – to which the key European parliamentary candidates have been invited to attend.
Speaking from Brussels, Parliamentary Officer Clare Slipper said:
“Our farming industry benefits from a robust working relationship with our Scottish MEPs. Regardless of Scotland’s constitutional future, due to be decided on September 18, Europe will continue to have a huge influence on our food and farming sectors – both in terms of the regulatory framework and the marketplace for our goods.
“This UK manifesto focuses on generating the right conditions for food production, safeguarding the environment, and creating a food chain that works for all – farmers, processors, retailers and the consumer.
“Underpinned by the Common Agricultural Policy, farming is good for the economy, for the environment, for growth and employment and ensures quality food supplies for consumers not just in Scotland and the UK but across the world.
“We are also on the brink of a crucial set of trade negotiations where Europe will define our trading standards and competitive status. The outcome of those negotiations will be crucial for farmers, food quality, consumer choice and animal welfare.
“The huge turnout at our recent referendum debate in Stirling underlines the massive interest that the farming community has in the politics and policies that affect their businesses. Venues for our European hustings meetings will be finalised in due course but I would urge members to put the Lanarkshire (May 6) and North East (May 8) events in their diaries.
“Regardless of the outcome of the vote on May 22, we look forward to working closely with Scottish MEPs for the next parliamentary term and beyond.” Ends
