Scottish farmers have been urged to think seriously about what life will mean post-Brexit without the support of their French counterparts. Speaking at a seminar in Edinburgh, Steven Thomson, Senior Agricultural Economist with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) reminded his audience from across the rural sector that it had been political pressure from France and others that had guaranteed the continuation of the current level of CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) payments to farmers.

"Once we have left the EU the continuation of any support payments will have to be justified to often sceptical UK taxpayers and a press quick to criticise ant payments that deliver no real outcomes," he said. "There is a good case to be made, but any farmers still regarding their payments as a right should think again. They should be looking hard at their business, paying attention to the messages and considering the options."

At such an early stage in the Brexit process the experts concentrated on what they identified as issues affecting Scottish and UK farming which need wider public debate.

Kev Bevan, a Senior Business Analyst with SAC Consulting, commented that many conversations that farmers are having about alternative Scottish or UK payment regimes are failing to take account of possible new trading rules.

"Whether it is soft Brexit or hard Brexit we still need to comply with EU rules to access EU markets," he reminded his audience. "A hard Brexit and membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) promises heavy tariffs on grain and meat exports to the EU. The WTO also has rigid rules against payments to producers that are coupled to production."

Both SRUC speakers emphasised that while a weak currency does help exports it also raises the costs of inputs like fertilisers and machinery. They questioned what that might do to the wider rural economy with marts, suppliers and food processors all affected.

Market round-up

Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 145 store heifers in Lanark on Tuesday to a top of 282.8p per kg and an average of 233.9p, while 105 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 311p and levelled at 238.7p. Thirty dairy-bred bullocks averaged 163.5p.

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 19 store heifers in Lockerbie on Tuesday to a top of 245.9p and an average of 226p, while 11 store bullocks peaked at 269.8p and levelled at 245.6p.

Wallets Marts sold 58 prime hoggs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £94 per head and 197.5p per kg to average £59.39 and 171.5p (+9p on the week), while 253 prime lambs peaked at £110 and 251.3p to level at £97.53 and 241.3p (+1.9p).