Farmers Suffer as UK Government Shirks Responsibility

Anger and disappointment have been the prevailing sentiments within the Scottish farming industry over the last three weeks as farmers were badly let down by the UK government.

We recently witnessed another dramatic u-turn by the UK Government following their decision not to call a November election - this time by Environment Secretary Hillary Benn. After the snap election had been suddenly cleared from the agenda, Benn likewise reversed his planned statement on compensation for Scottish farmers affected by this summer’s Foot and Mouth outbreak south of the border.

The First Minister Alex Salmond exposed this cover-up by revealing two documents, one a daft statement by Benn pledging £8.1M in aid to Scottish farmers and the other the final statement which guaranteed assistance to the English livestock sector to the tune of £12.5M, but made no mention of the £8.1M previously devoted to Scotland. On the contrary he effectively washed his hands of the problem north of the border, leaving compensation solely to the responsibility of the Scottish Government.

Needless to say, Benn’s rethink came as a severe blow to our farmers and caused ructions across the industry in Scotland which had been seeking a £50M compensation package. At a summit in London last week between farming representatives and the Environment Secretary, Scottish farmers were told that their problems were not serious enough to merit compensation.

Farmers have suffered a severe financial burden due to substantial movement restrictions, further exacerbated by the time of year at which the outbreak occurred. August to October is the period when most cattle and sheep produced on hill and upland farms are marketed.

The UK Government appears to have overlooked the blatant fact that this outbreak came from a state-controlled facility in Surrey. Furthermore, under the devolution agreement they are responsible for funding animal disease control costs. They have a clear moral and legal duty to Scottish farmers.

Drawing New Blood into Our Agricultural Sector

In contrast to such negative and discouraging actions towards our agricultural industry, this side of the border the Scottish Government has been delivering further on its farming manifesto commitments. Indeed only this week the Tenants Farming Forum consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals to introduce a new entrants’ scheme for farmers had its first meeting here in the North east, on our own doorstep in Oldmeldrum.


Farming is one of our oldest traditional industries and a vital aspect of country life, particularly here in Banff & Buchan. However, it can be difficult to get started in farming, especially for those who were not born into a farm-owning family. That is why the Scottish Government, as promised in its election manifesto, has asked the Tenants Farming Forum to investigate the barriers facing young people who want to embark upon what is a rewarding and fulfilling career in farming.

This proposed scheme is a fantastic initiative which will make farming a more viable and attractive career option for young people and will breathe new life into the Scottish agricultural sector. It is only by continually drawing new blood into the industry that we can preserve it as an integral part of rural life and make it sustainable for future generations. I would therefore encourage anyone in Banff & Buchan with an interest to go along and contribute to this very worthy consultation.