Finding a way forward for
Finding a way forward for
Scotlands farm sector
Farm minister Ross Finnie
wants to establish a
co-ordinated strategy for
Scottish farmers
DISCUSSION and partnership will form the basis of future agriculture policy in Scotland, says farm minister Ross Finnie.
The industry faces a number of challenges. But it is an industry with the potential to play a valuable role in modern Scotland, he believes. "And if we are to tackle these challenges and assist the industry to fulfil its potential, there must be a common view of what needs to be done and how that can be achieved," he says.
Launching a consultation document recently, which the Scottish Executive will use as the basis for developing a co-ordinated policy for the future of Scottish agriculture, Mr Finnie said the days of rural areas and agriculture being synonymous were long gone. "But the agriculture industry of today continues to touch the lives of virtually everyone in Scotland.
"Some 75% of Scotlands landmass is under agricultural production, making the industry the single biggest determinant of the landscape we see around us. It produces output worth £2bn each year, providing jobs for almost 70,000 people directly and a further significant number indirectly.
"In many rural areas it is the most important source of jobs after the service sector. It is responsible for much of Scotlands £400m food exports and, until the recent export ban, beef was Scotlands leading food export," he said, adding that agriculture is the single, biggest reason why people can continue to live in the countrys more remote communities.
"But it is also an industry coping with immense change. Economic pressure, changing consumer tastes and growing public concern about the environment meant that farmers were being asked to change the way they do things.
"And at this time of change, Scotland needs to be clear about the way forward and how it will help farmers to deliver it," Mr Finnie said.
"The coming of the Scottish Parliament means that, for the first time, we have an opportunity to develop a farming policy that meets the particular needs of Scotland. It needs contributions from everyone with an interest in the industry."
The minister believes there is no longer a consensus over farmings role. "Some argue that farming should be seen as just another private business, while others suggest that its main role should be in respect of the environment. Scottish farmers in this new century need to know what is wanted of them," he said.
Identifying opportunities for success as well as tackling current weaknesses was crucial. "Scotland has one of the most efficient farming structures in Europe which is an integral part of our expanding food industry and also looks after the environment on which many of our tourism and rural service industries are based. Scotlands rural areas are one of its key strengths and we must build on these strengths and realise their potential," said Mr Finnie.
The minister and his officials plan to take part in various discussions and seminars over the coming months with a view to publishing a forward strategy for Scottish agriculture by the end of the year.
"But I ask all organisations with an interest in this important matter to consider the issues. It is only through discussion and partnership that we will identify the way ahead, towards a future for Scottish agriculture of which we can all be proud."