Richard Lochhead
ooking ahead to the future of Scottish agriculture, I detect a sense of optimism. While the past year has seen challenges – everything from extreme weather to the implementation of sheep EID – it was also a year of high livestock prices and record food and drink sales. I want us to build on this and I believe our rural sector is well equipped to cope with whatever lies ahead. Undoubtedly one of the main talking points of 2012 will be the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Decisions taken this year on CAP reform will have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences. That’s why we’ll be working hard and working together to ensure Scotland secures a fair deal. We have already seen some of our suggestions reflected in the EC’s proposals which gives us solid ground to build on. As the talks continue, we want to make further progress, to
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ensure the result is a flexible support system that recognises Scotland’s diverse needs. When I consider the future of Scottish agriculture, I see a landscape that is less cluttered with bureaucracy which is why we are working to reduce the regulatory burden. This is something that will continue throughout the year. This will free up our farmers to do what they do best – produce some of the world’s finest natural ingredients and manage the magnificent landscape for which Scotland is renowned. I’m sure there will be challenges ahead but, by pulling together, I am confident that these can – and will – be overcome.
Check out www.farmingscotland.com website being updated this month 21