Leaving the European Union will present a chance for British agriculture to 'put things right', Michael Gove has said.
The newly appointed Defra secretary, who is now the man in charge of farming policy, was speaking at the Royal Highland Show.
Mr Gove said Brexit would allow the UK to drop 'cumbersome bureaucracy' and create a better form of financial support for farmers.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned that the 'wrong' kind of Brexit deal could result in seasonal labour shortages and the government having to pay billions in direct financial assistance to help farmers cope with market and price volatility.
As Brexit negotiations begin, the NFU has underlined the importance of a sector worth £109bn to the economy, which employs 3.8 million people and looks after 70% of the nation’s land.
'Huge opportunities'
Speaking alongside Scottish Secretary David Mundell at the show in Edinburgh, Mr Gove said he is aware of the concerns and said British farmers will not lose out on subsidies through leaving the EU.
“There are huge opportunities,” he said.
“Opportunities for us to get rid of some bureaucracy that stands in the way of effective food production.”
He pledged to listen to and learn from the industry as the Brexit process unfolded and be their 'energetic champion' in government.
He said the government's newly formed Agriculture Bill, announced at the Queen's Speech on Wednesday (21 June), would enable the UK to "take back control" of agriculture.
'Contempt'
However, Mr Gove has been criticised over his appearance at the show after apparently snubbing other farm business events to do with Scottish agriculture.
The Scottish government has said the Defra secretary should be taking the concerns of Scotland's agriculture sector seriously.
Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We have been very clear throughout this process that the devolved administrations must be considered equal partners in the negotiations and we expect genuine engagement in the process.
“It is simply unacceptable to have UK Ministers unilaterally cancelling meetings, which involve four partners at short notice and without consultation.”
“Brexit affects us all, with Scottish agriculture and rural communities particularly reliant on the EU for investment, labour and financial support. I also want to be clear that the UK Government must not give away permanent access to Scottish waters as part of any trade deals.”
Engaging with farmers
But NFU President Meurig Raymond said it was 'pleasing' to see the Defra secretary engaging with farmers at agricultural events.
Mr Raymond said: “We discussed the critical issues which farming businesses face and also opportunities for the sector post-Brexit.
“I was pleased to be able to do this so soon after his appointment, and at the Royal Three Counties Show – a brilliant shop window for the industry.
“Outside of Brexit, there are still key issues for the industry, such as access to plant protection products, the implementation of the Government’s 25 year TB eradication strategy, the rehabilitating impact of rural crime, all of which need Defra’s attention.”
