Scottish Liberal Democrats set out plans to grow agriculture

Speaking as the Royal Highland Show gets underway in Edinburgh, Scottish Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson Cllr Claire McLaren highlighted the party’s plans to grow Scottish agriculture and make the party the voice of rural Scotland.  

Scottish Liberal Democrat plans include:  

• Implementing clearer agricultural frameworks to give farmers certainty and enhance climate protection.  
• Enhance consumer awareness of the benefits of cutting food miles and using local produce.
• Protect and extend current food security provisions.  
• Introduce a system of croft-proofing.  
• Introduce realistic water abstraction frameworks.  

Earlier this month, Scottish Liberal Democrats also called for the Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs Secretary to meet with her UK counterpart and announce how much money will be available in future agriculture support by the date of the Highland Show on 26th June. This has failed to happen.  

Cllr McLaren said:  

“This weekend, at their separation summit, the SNP will be pushing a divisive nationalist agenda that would build barriers, leave farming communities out in the cold and paralyse many with uncertainty about the future.  

“For the agriculture industry, this total disregard can be felt everywhere, from the absence of promised frameworks to a total lack of support as many struggle with the loss of trade routes post Brexit and soaring costs.

“Scottish agriculture deserves so much better.    

"Together with my fellow Liberal Democrat colleagues, I will be spending this weekend at the Royal Highland Show, listening to representatives, understanding the challenges they face and working out the best way forward.  

“Our party would deliver clarity and support for communities, prioritise food and land and encourage economic investment. Scottish Liberal Democrats are determined to be the voice of rural Scotland, and these proposals will be at the heart of our efforts.”