Farming pressures and EU livestock strategy under discussion as Carmichael and Green attend Caithness Show
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, and Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP, David Green, this weekend joined the Caithness show to meet with local farmers, crofters and other business and community leaders, discussing challenges facing rural communities.
Mr Carmichael today warned that the first-ever EU livestock strategy should be a “wakeup call” for both the UK and Scottish governments to set out their ambitions for livestock farming, while Mr Green highlighted ongoing concerns with the Scottish Government’s Future Farming and Investment Scheme (FFIS), and rising input costs for farmers.
The EU strategy sets out five priorities:
- Building a resilient livestock sector
- Strengthening competitiveness
- Supporting more sustainable livestock production
- Recognising Europe's territorial diversity
- Promoting excellence across all production systems
Mr Carmichael is Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
Mr Carmichael said:
“The new EU livestock strategy should be a wakeup call for both the UK and Scottish Governments. It is past time that they set out their ambitions for livestock farming in this country. Farmers and crofters are rightly going to look at what Europe is now doing in this space and ask, ‘if they can do it, why not us?’
“Under repeated questioning ministers have refused to set out specific goals for livestock farming in the UK. They have been unwilling even to say whether they want the national herd to increase, decline or remain the same in size – which really ought to be the bare minimum you expect as a vision for the future of farming.
“Farming communities on the continent have not exactly been short on criticism for European policymakers in recent years but steps like this show that a change in momentum is underway for agriculture. The question then is whether our own governments can catch up to our neighbours.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green said:
“The Caithness Show really is the county at its best, and this year was no exception. My thanks to the committee for organising another cracking couple of days, and to everyone who took the time to speak to us - not least the Young Farmers and the NFU.
“The message we heard was consistent. Farmers are under immense strain, with soaring fuel, fertiliser and feed costs. Those pressures are all the more acute given the geographical challenges of farming in the Far North.
“The Scottish Government said the Future Farming Investment Scheme would prioritise small farms, crofters and tenant farmers, but the number of unsuccessful applications across the Far North paints a very different picture.
“Before launching another funding round, Ministers must provide the transparency farmers are asking for, clearly explain how funding decisions are being made, and restore confidence in a scheme that has left too many applicants with more questions than answers.”