SCOTTISH farmers have been "badly let down" by the Tories, SNP European election candidate Heather Anderson has said.
Anderson, a farmer, said the failure of the UK Government to pass on money from the EU owed to Scotland underlines the danger of a Tory power-grab after Brexit.
Scottish farmers receive £580 million annually through the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The SNP and Scottish farming organisations argue Scotland is owed the £160 million of EU convergence uplift payments to the UK for the period 2014 to 2020.
The convergence cash was triggered due to the low rate of CAP payments given to Scottish hill farmers.
READ MORE: SNP demand Tories return 'stolen' £160m payment to Scots farmers
The UK Government plans a power grab over agriculture – despite the Leave campaign promising that powers in devolved areas would automatically come to the Scottish Parliament after Brexit – raising fears of a repeated snub to Scottish farmers and crofters.
The National Farmers Union Scotland have supported the Scottish Government’s position that all decisions affecting farming and food production in Scotland should be taken in Scotland
Anderson said food producers are suffering from ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
She added: "There is no good Brexit for Scottish farming. As well the potential loss of support and control, farmers in Scotland are deeply concerned over export markets, the future of farm support and ability to hire seasonal staff.
“Ultimately this comes down to a question of trust.
“We know we can’t trust Westminster to give us the money we are due. The Tories kept the £160 million uplift payment due to Scottish crofters and farmers and we have now endured three years of uncertainty about whether there’s a market for our beef, lamb and other produce.
"On top of that, there is now the risk of our domestic market being flooded with food imports that don’t meet any of the high welfare and safety standards we farm to.
“Scotland’s future lies in Europe. A vote for the SNP is a vote to make clear Scotland says No to Brexit and to protect Scottish farming.”
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