The results of a national online survey showed that 86% of Scots interviewed believe that agriculture is critical to the country's economic success.

And another 83% of respondents expressed their conviction that agriculture is an important public service. A total of 2345 adult Scots took part in a survey.

Such statistics were published in a government report assessing the attitude of the population towards agriculture, the environment and rural development.

Along with an online survey, a review of literature and evidence, 15 interviews and two citizen forums were conducted to collect public opinion.

Those who participated in the forums generally agreed that agriculture provided a vital public service, while at the same time they expressed the view that Scottish agriculture was helping to make the country more autonomous.

Almost half (49%) of the forum participants said they preferred to produce food in Scotland. The majority (68%) stated that they believe that Brexit will have a negative impact on the cost of food and this will affect their choice.

Commenting on the results of the survey, the Secretary of the Scottish Government for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see this level of support for our farmers.”