Scot Lib Dems respond to Swinney agriculture speech

Responding to John Swinney’s speech to the NFU Scotland conference, Scottish Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson and lead candidate for the Mid Scotland & Fife region, Cllr Claire McLaren said:

“When it comes to food and drink, Scotland has got so much going for it. But nobody is getting a fair deal if people can’t afford to buy healthy food and producers can’t make a profit producing it.

“Hardworking farmers have had to contend with the Conservatives’ botched deal with the EU damaging their ability to export. It has ushered in barriers, red-tape and trade deals that pose a risk to our high standards. They feel let down by debacles like the SNP Government’s future farming scheme that became a lottery for the farmers it was supposed to help. Even with the announcement of a second round of funding announced today, many will be asking why it took so long to begin to correct mistakes.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have continually demonstrated that we are right behind all of those working in the farming and crofting sectors. We recognise that all sizes of businesses play a vital role in environmental, food and rural security and deliver so much more than just high-quality food. Caring for our countryside means treating farmers as partners in tackling climate change and the nature crisis.

“Our MPs at Westminster, like Alistair Carmichael, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, are fighting for fairness within the supply chain, ensuring trade deals are favourable and pushing back against the government on the family farm tax.

“At the forthcoming election, we will be the party of Scotland’s rural economy. We will help farmers provide the raw materials for Scotland’s flagship food and drink exports through innovation, better infrastructure and a skilled workforce. No matter, where you are you can secure strong Scottish Liberal Democrat representation by backing us on the peach, regional ballot.”