Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - The reason for this is that the potential in our region – in the Banffshire and Buchan Coast and beyond – is huge, and although being realised to some extent, the agricultural industry could benefit from an even greater future in the coming years.
Compared to the rest of the UK, food and farming is a far bigger priority north of the border, and there are a number of things that demonstrate that Scotland is distinct, particularly in these industries.
Currently 85 per cent of Scotland’s farming land is classed as ‘Less Favoured Area’. In other words it is considered to be poorer quality ground, in comparison to England that has 15 per cent of land in this category.
Scotland’s agricultural industry is also far more reliant on the livestock sector than England’s is. Scotland has more than 25 per cent of the UK’s beef herd, and its livestock sector accounts for 42 per cent of agricultural output, compared to 34 per cent in England.
In addition, the Food and Drink sector is six times more important to the Scottish economy than in England. Exports of food and drink from Scotland account for 30 per cent of the country’s total exports. By contrast, these exports only make up six per cent of total overseas exports from the UK.
The Scottish Government recognises the unique nature of what the land of Scotland brings to the economy.
The Beef 2020 report is aimed at creating sustainability and long term growth in beef production while improving the industry’s environmental credentials by reducing greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of beef produced.
This is an example of how Scotland’s rural economy could benefit from taking the future into its own hands, to realise its potential for the good of the sector and the country as a whole.
Although the decision on the referendum is with each individual voter on September 18, there are specific ways that farming and crofting could benefit if the answer of the Scottish people is yes to independence.
The opportunity would be created to increase direct farm payments, and to increase rural development funding. There would be a guarantee of direct representation in the EU to negotiate the priorities of Scotland, as distinct from those of the UK, and there would be opportunity to use the full range of fiscal powers to encourage farm tenancies and new entrants.
Scotland would also finally be able to ensure that Scotland’s agricultural levies would support Scottish produce, with obvious knock on benefits.
As much of the Banffshire and Buchan Coast is rural with a thriving agricultural industry, I believe it is vital that this and the many entrepreneurs, who have started and continue to produce a vast array of food and drink all over the country, are given all the opportunities possible to exceed in their chosen field.
The rural economy of Scotland is incredibly strong - with food and drink exports worth £14bn - but we have a fantastic opportunity in our hands to grow this key industry even further.
