A single minimum hourly rate for all agricultural workers, irrespective of age and duties, that is equal to the UK National Living Wage has been proposed by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.
In the rest of the UK the National Living Wage, at £7.50 per hour is only paid to workers over the age of 25, which would mean employers in Scotland could face higher wage bills.
NFU Scotland Chief executive Scott Walker pointed out: "This commitment to a higher single rate of pay in Scotland for workers under 25 means we will be operating to a higher cost base than elsewhere in the UK. That higher cost must be matched by a commitment from processors and retailers not to simply buy on price, but to support and source Scottish farm produce."
Mr Walker went on to encourage all farm employers to have their say in the consultation, which closes on 31 December.
* Meanwhile, AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) has examined the potential impacts of Brexit on agriculture and horticulture in Scotland in its latest Horizon report.
Launched at Agriscot in Edinburgh on Wednesday, the report - written in collaboration with QMS (Quality Meat Scotland) and SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) - highlights the risks and opportunities Brexit presents for Scottish farm businesses and the food and drink supply chain.
Backing the report, Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing said it is vital that farmers, crofters and growers are well informed and start to really think about the steps they can take to safeguard their businesses to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 334 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 246.9p per kg and an average of 196.1p (-4p on the week), while 413 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 260p and levelled at 210.6p (+10.1p). Eleven store, B&W bullocks sold to 144.3p and averaged 141.1p (-1.6p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 232p and an average of 222p, while 3 prime bullocks peaked at 207p and levelled at 197p.
In the rough ring 59 beef cows sold to 192p and averaged 123p, while 45 dairy cows peaked at 153p and levelled at 101p.
The firm also sold 1220 prime lambs to a top of £84 per head and 181p per kg to average 164p (-6.6p).
The 249 cast sheep on offer were slightly sharper on the week with heavy ewes selling to £83.50 for Texels and averaging £54, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £71.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £40.50.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1017 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £88 and 220p to average 163.3p (-7.5p).
A good show of 512 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £120 for Suffolks and average £62.53, while light ewes peaked at £53 for Blackfaces and levelled at £31.25.
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