The future of vital support for farmers could be thrown into jeopardy by independence, said Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell following a visit to the Royal Highland Show.
The local MP believes that just like for other local businesses the uncertainty surrounding independence would be disruptive and unwelcomed for many in the farming and rural agricultural communities.
Mr Mundell joined former chancellor Alistair Darling, Liberal Democrat leader Willie and other politicians to launch the Rural Better Together campaign.
Afterwards the MP, whose large rural constituency includes hundreds of farmers, pointed out that being part of the UK meant rural communities and businesses had a voice in the EU, which was where some of the most important decisions impacting farmers were made.
Mr Mundell added that it made no sense to give that up and farmers he had met at the show, and in the constituency, were giving a loud and clear message – Scotland was stronger and better together as part of the UK.
“Independence would put many of the things that our farmers depend on at risk, which is why hundreds of people have signed up to join the Better Together campaign. Farming and rural industries are one of the backbones of my constituency and so it is vital that nothing is done which puts them, and the communities which they support, at risk.
“Speaking to farmers here at the Royal Highland, and out and about in the constituency, I increasingly find people have many questions, including ones on EU support. The truth is that we simply do not know what independence would mean for Single Farm Payments and other support.
“Farmers want to know what splitting from the UK will mean to them, but the only thing certain about independence is that it would put many of the things that our farmers depend on at risk,” added Mr Mundell.