Press Releases
21-01-2010 : CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD FOR SCOTTISH FARMING SAYS McARTHUR
Commenting on the publication of the initial report into the delivery of agriculture support in Scotland by Brian Pack, Orkney MSP and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesman, Liam McArthur, said:
"This is a welcome report and I acknowledge the efforts to date of Brian Pack and his team.
"There are challenging times ahead for Scottish farming, with a squeeze on budgets and competing demands for land use. There are certainly no easy solutions.
"But Brian Pack's initial report will help frame and inform the debate about options for the future of a sector whose importance to Scotland economically, socially and environmentally is huge.
"Changes to funding are perhaps inevitable, but Brian Pack reinforces the fact that ongoing subsidy will be required.
"If we wish to safeguard a range of public goods, including food security, sustainable management of our countryside and vibrant rural communities, including in some of Scotland's more remote areas, we need to recognise that this cannot be achieved without public investment.
"Brian Pack has set the scene well. It is now up to those with an interest in the future of farming in Scotland to respond to this report."