The majority of Dumfries and Galloway’s farmers are against the idea of a national park being created in the region.
NFU Scotland says three-quarters of its members are strongly opposed to a Galloway National Park.
And in its formal submission to the NatureScot consultation, the union has stated its opposition the proposal.
NFU Scotland’s regional chair for Dumfries and Galloway, Stewart Wyllie, said: “There are no details on how this national park would be funded.
“At a time when public resources are stretched across essential services like healthcare, education, and social care, it is clear that a national park is not a priority for the general public, nor for this region’s farmers and food producers.
“Our members overwhelmingly believe that the proposed national park would prioritise tourism and visitor access at the expense of farming businesses with potential restrictions on land use, increased costs, and the risk of agricultural operations being sidelined in favour of conservation and recreation initiatives.
“Our members have seen the impact of national parks elsewhere. In places like Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, as well as the Lake District, farming businesses have struggled due to the prioritisation of tourism over agricultural livelihoods.
“We fear similar consequences if a new national park is established in Galloway.”
Last year, nearly 2,000 people responded to an NFU poll on the idea of a national park in Galloway, with nearly three-quarters against the idea.
As part of its official response to the consultation – which closed on February 14 – it sought views only from members based on the consultation questions.
The submission revealed there were 158 responses – more than 90 per cent being from farmers in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire.
Of them, 75.68 per cent were strongly opposed, with just 11.49 per cent strongly in favour.
Around six per cent “tended to oppose” with the remainder tending to support or undecided.
Not all farmers are against the idea, with the News recently reporting one long-time Galloway member of NFU Scotland cancelling his subscription over their stance on the matter.
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He said: “I understand why some farmers are against it but there’s actually a lot of us who are in favour of a national park.”
NatureScot is acting as the Scottish Government reporter on the proposal to make Galloway Scotland’s third national park but the consultation has proven divisive.
The Galloway National Park Association is fully behind the proposal, believing it would bring major investment and international attention to the region.
However, the No Galloway National Park campaign has a string of concerns, including the potential for over tourism, rising house prices and whether existing infrastructure could coupe with more visitors.