Rural Payments and Services

Rural Affairs Secretary seeks meeting to discuss challenges facing sector

Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has written to his ministerial counterparts across the UK calling for a summit to discuss challenges facing the agricultural sector. Mr Lochhead’s intervention echoes recent calls from the National Farmers Union (NFU) that all four UK farming ministers should meet to discuss the future of the industry.

Speaking after returning from yesterday's Black Isle Show where he met representatives of the agricultural sector, including NFUS President Allan Bowie, the Cabinet Secretary said:

“It's been a tough summer for Scotland's farmers and crofters with the weather causing major challenges for production and milk and meat prices falling.

“The difficulties we face are not unique to Scotland, particularly low milk prices that are hitting all our dairy sectors hard and where action is required at Scottish, UK and EU level. That's why I'm calling for a farming summit with ministerial counterparts across the UK so we can ensure no stone is left unturned to ensure we protect primary food production in our respective countries. We need to urgently can consider what further appropriate help can be made available to those sectors most affected. For instance, there is no doubt that a joint approach to the chief executives of all major UK retailers and food services companies to ensure a fair price is paid for Scottish and UK produce would be welcomed.

"I am already pushing for greater Scottish sourcing but the more political clout the better when it comes to ensuring fairness in terms of prices paid.

"I am keen to make myself available to meet my UK counterparts either in Scotland or anywhere else on these islands."