PRO-INDEPENDENCE campaign Yes Scotland will tomorrow launch a new group targeting rural voters in next year's referendum.

Farming for Yes will begin its campaign at the Borders Union Show, near Kelso, on the 200th anniversary of the event.

The group will argue that independence would lead to higher subsidies from the EU for Scotland's farmers.

It will be led by a six-strong steering group including Perthshire farmer Jim Fairlie, brother of Andrew Fairlie, the chef and prominent pro-independence campaigner.

Mr Fairlie, who farms at Logiealmond in Perthshire, said: "The social and economic value of Scoland's food and drink, and in particular, our agricultural sector, have never been truly appreciated or represented by Westminster.

"Devolution has given us a much better voice and we have never been better represented than we are now.

"Our industry is the fastest growing economy in the country and food and drink delivers the same economic value as oil and gas."

He added: "With indy, we can do much more. The potential that will be unleashed by an agricultural community that is recognised and respected for its role in Scotland will be vast.

"Our enterprise, industriousness imagination and drive will deliver huge benefits to our industry and Scottish society as a whole. We just need to have the belief in our own ability."

Toni Giugliano, Yes Scotland's interest groups coordinator, said that Scotland was not adequately represented by the UK Government during EU farming talks.

He said Scots farmers received some of the lowest subsidies in Europe as a result.

He added: "With independence, Scotland will have a direct voice in Europe, ensuring the needs of our farmers and rural communities are represented, and Scotland receives its fair share of CAP funds."

The move follows the creation of Rural Better Together, an offshoot of the cross-party pro-UK Better Together campaign.

It was unveiled by Better Together chief Alistair Darling at the Royal Highland Show in June.

Supporters include the former National Union of Scotland vice-president Peter Chapman and Maitland Mackie, chairman of Mackie's of Scotland.

A Better Together spokesman said: "As part of the UK our rural communities and businesses in Scotland have a voice at the top table in Europe, where some of the most important decisions impacting farmers are made.

"It makes no sense to give that up. We are stronger and better together as part of the UK."