Claire Baker has called on the Scottish and UK Government to ensure there are no ‘unintended consequences’ for tenant farmers after an SNP amendment was lodged for the Common Agriculture Policy in the European Parliament.

The amendment from Alyn Smith MEP attempts to deal with slipper farmers but concerns have been raised by the tenanted sector that it could result in confusions over who will own the land.

Speaking during the Common Agricultural Policy debate Claire Baker asked the Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead for clarity on the impact of the amendment. Mr Lochhead simply dismissed the issue as ‘mischief making’ from MEPs.

Claire Baker, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment also called for ‘public confidence’ in CAP in what is a ‘crucial period’ for the reform during the Scottish Parliament debate.

Speaking after the debate Claire Baker said:

“Concerns have been raised by tenant farmers and it was important that these concerns were raised to the Cabinet Secretary in Parliament. I am disappointed that he simply dismissed their concerns as ‘mischief making’.

“Whilst it is important that we curtail slipper farming this cannot be at the cost of tenant farmers who could see their livelihoods at risk.

“I don’t believe that Alyn Smith has genuinely set out to upset Tenant Farmers but unintended consequences are not an issue to simply be dismissed by Richard Lochhead.

“Genuine concerns were raised to me before the debate and both tenant’s farmers and myself were looking for reassurances from the Scottish Government that they make it clear ownership remains with the active farmer and not the land owner.

“I hope the Cabinet Secretary can reconsider his remarks and ensure that the matter is resolved.”