NFU Scotland has sent its final response to the Smith Commission following a wide-ranging, yet fast-paced, consultation with members over the last three weeks.
Following the No vote in the referendum, the UK Government appointed Lord Smith of Kelvin to chair a commission that will oversee the devolution of further powers to Scotland.
The union has concluded that while the majority of members believe devolution has been good for Scotland and positive for Scottish agriculture, a hard, fast handover of powers to Scotland must not be done in haste and without proper analysis and consideration of financial implications. Delivering a sustainable settlement for the short term is a key priority, but perhaps would be best secured for the long term if there was to be a level of political symmetry in other parts of these islands.
NFUS' response is the product of round-the-table discussions held with members in each of the union's regions in the past fortnight. Members were also invited to submit written responses to NFUS.
NFUS Parliamentary Officer, Clare Slipper, commented: "Members are as one in seeking well-defined, transparent UK policy development and representation at EU and international level.
"Members believe there is value in a wide range of powers being devolved to Holyrood although Scotland's competitive status must be kept stable by tax varying powers being kept to within bands agreed with UK partners.
"For some, a federal structure is seen as an end point, however the 50:50 solution outlined within the Smith Commission consultation, which would see Scottish spending supported by an equal split between Scottish tax-raising powers and a UK contribution based on the Barnett formula has attractions.
"The formula would provide a level of stability and through the Barnett dividend it could help support the higher levels of spending required in Scotland's peripheral and island areas."
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