Future farming strategy must address needs of Scottish industry (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Future farming strategy must address needs of Scottish industry

January 5, 2010 5:37 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting as the first full day of the Oxford Farming Conference gets underway today (Tuesday) and as UK Agriculture Minister Hilary Benn sets out his government's longer term vision for farming, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur said:

"This statement from Hilary Benn is interesting and he rightly identifies a number of challenges facing the farming industry across the UK.

"As most farmers will testify, however, under a Labour Government agriculture policy at a UK level has not been driven by those with a clear understanding of the industry or its needs.

"Devolution has allowed Scottish Ministers to take decisions that better reflect the needs and interests of the Scottish industry. This has benefited farmers, and has also delivered real benefits for the wider food and drink industry and, importantly, for consumers as well.

"There are, of course, common challenges and opportunities ahead for the farming sector across the UK. Farming north of the border, however, has many distinctive characteristics that need to be recognised as we develop strategies for the future.

"Electronic tagging of sheep, reform of LFASS and changes to CAP funding all potentially impact significantly and differently in Scotland.

"There is no doubt our industry can rise to the challenges set by the Oxford Conference, but any future strategies on farming must address the specific needs and strengths of farming in Scotland."