BORDERS MP Michael Moore this week restated his commitment to the region’s farmers.
The Scottish Secretary addressed the South of Scotland and Border Valuers Association annual general meeting in Kelso last Friday when he spoke about Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.
He told TheSouthern on Tuesday: “I remain determined to see reform of the CAP to focus it more on farming which sustains its place in Borders life while adapting to global challenges. CAP reform must provide a framework for sustainable Scottish farming.”
Mr Moore revealed he had hosted a visit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, to the Borders earlier this year. He said: “In my ministerial role, I am making every effort to ensure that Caroline Spelman and fellow DEFRA Ministers understand Scottish farming circumstances, which can be so different to other parts of the UK.”
One of those at the meeting, Berwick accountants Greaves West & Ayre partner Stuart Faed, said: “It was good to have in the Borders a senior member of government who is clearly concerned for our rural economy. It is clear there is more to come on CAP reform, once the full debate at European level is complete.”