Commenting on today’s December Agriculture Survey results, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is a food producing nation, and this evidence of a further decline in livestock numbers is disappointing. That is why we need to ensure we have the right support in place for our farmers and crofters in the next CAP, and the Scottish Government is still seeking views on our proposals for direct payments.
“I am pleased to see an increase in the number of dairy cattle in Scotland – a sign of renewed confidence in the sector, one of the most profitable in Scottish farming, which will provide a solid platform for taking forward the Dairy Growth Strategy commissioned by the Scottish Government.
“I look forward to seeing similar results from Beef 2020 Industry Group led by Jim McLaren, the Scottish Government’s Poultry Plan and our significant investment in the infrastructure supporting Scotland’s pig industry.”
Background
The Scottish Government is currently consulting on direct farm payments closes. The consultation closes on March 28, 2014: http://scottishgovernment.presscentre.com/News/CAP-timetable-outlined-a0e.aspx
The results of the December Agricultural Survey have been published today: http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Winter-crop-areas-up-but-reductions-in-livestock-continue-a8b.aspx
More information on the Dairy Growth Strategy can be found via: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/09/9826
More information on the Beef 2020 Industry Group can be found here: http://www.qmscotland.co.uk/news/beef-2020-industry-group-tasked-identify-opportunities-drive-growth-scottish-beef-sector
The Scottish Government’s Poultry Plan for Scotland was published in December 2013: http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Safeguarding-Scottish-chicken-7d0.aspx
The Rural Affairs Secretary recently announced a £2.7 million Scottish Government grant towards a major upgrade and expansion in Scotland’s biggest pork processing plant: http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Saving-Scotland-s-bacon-91c.aspx
