Agriculture spokesperson describes UK budget “earthquake” at Agritourism Conference
Scottish Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson Claire McLaren has today addressed the Scottish Agritourism Conference 2024 in Perth, describing the recent UK budget as an earthquake “attacking the foundations of rural communities”.
The Agritourism sector estimated to be worth £170m to the Scottish economy.
Speaking on a panel which included NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy and Fiona Smith from Westerton Farmers, Ms McLaren said:
“The rural economy can suffer from being overlooked, forgotten about or taken for granted. An active and growing rural economy is vital and deserves a greater acknowledgement, particularly from Governments. Rural economic activity has a social gain, not just fiscal receipts. Entrepreneurism is a word I would use to describe many in this sector of the economy, particularly Agritourism.
“There are many business types: food producing, food manufacturing; services which is anything from gardening and landscaping, care service providers, hospitality, dog grooming or hairdressers, tourist related and agriculture/land management and related services. These are generally small to medium sized businesses.
“Scotland benefits from stunning, impactful scenery, historic buildings, traditional cultures and a characteristic population which forms part of the worldwide reputation Scotland has as a tourist destination and stimulates the active tourism sector. Agritourism is an important part of this sector.
“In listing challenges or highlighting some of them, the recent Westminster budget has contained announcements which are akin to an earthquake rattling through the agricultural sector. Earthquakes happen with little warning, we may look back and identify a tremor or two, however in the main they are a shocking event, attacking the foundations of rural communities, their survival and their ability to continue economic activity. The impacts of the budget have yet to be seen on the ground but for those in the sector navigating the dramatic shifting of the goal posts overnight, without consultation, will be a challenge. Many businesses in the Agritourism sector are linked to family farming units, established through a need to generate an additional revenue stream.
“One of the biggest challenges active businesses in the rural economy face is attracting a dedicated labour supply. I hear this all the time. Availability of affordable rural housing is often cited as part of the labour supply issue.
“There is an ongoing frustration as to the length of time planning applications are taking to be determined by council planning departments. Some councils do perform better than others it has to be said. Delays in planning decisions impact on delivery of business expansion or new businesses opening which inevitability results in a rise in costs. Getting concepts and projects out of the ground tend to involve multiple challenges, with planning being just one.
“The focus on wider environmental custodianship is more and more evident. Wild life tourism is growing and Agritourism meets the needs of this expanding demand.
“Despite all the challenges and headwinds that are present today there are always opportunities. A basic business principal is supply and demand. Tourism and Agritourism continue to be in strong demand and are well placed to deliver the growth in supply which will be needed.
“Thank you conference.”