Lochhead Launches SNP Farming Manifesto

PROMINENT FARMERS BACK SNP SECOND TERM

SNP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead today (Monday) launched the SNP’s Farming Manifesto as he met with farmers in Argyll & Bute.

Mr Lochhead said he was proud to stand on the record of an SNP Government which had achieved so much for Scotland’s farming communities but stressed that upcoming CAP reform made re-electing an SNP Government more crucial than ever.


The SNP’s commitment to the farming sector was endorsed by leading figures from across the industry.

While in Argyll & Bute, Mr Lochhead recieved the backing of former NFU Argyll Chairman, Bert Leitch who said:

“Through Richard Lochhead’s drive and commitment, the SNP has served Scottish agriculture extremely well over the past four years, particularly in its support for vulnerable livestock production here on the west coast."

Commenting as he launched the manifesto in Tarbert with SNP Candidate for Argyll & Bute, Mike Russell, Mr Lochhead said:

“Scotland’s farming community is central to Scotland’s success. Our farmers and food producers protect our food supply and steward our stunning scenery.

“Over the past four years, I have been proud to serve Scotland’s farmers as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in an SNP Government which has delivered for rural communities.

“The SNP has put agriculture and food at the heart of its agenda in Government and provided our farmers and crofters with a voice in UK and Europe. We have stood shoulder to shoulder with our farmers through the challenges of recent years and repeatedly delivered for the industry in its hour of need.

“This special farming manifesto illustrates the SNP’s commitment to continuing act in the best interests of Scottish agriculture sector. We will preserve the success achieved so far and work with the sector to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the challenges of food security, energy security and tackling climate change.

"The next few years will be crucial to the industry's long term future as CAP reform gets underway.

“Only the SNP will stand up to the UK Treasury as it attempts to grab back £500m vital EU support for Scotland’s farmers. If the London parties had their way, thousands of jobs would be lost and parts of rural Scotland would be turned into a desert."

Endorsements from senior figures in Scotland’s farming community:

Bert Leitch, former Argyll NFU chairman from Mull:

“Through Richard Lochhead’s drive and commitment, the SNP has served Scottish agriculture extremely well over the past four years, particularly in its support for vulnerable livestock production here on the west coast.”

John Cameron, Fife farmer, former NFU President, President of the NSA:

“The SNP deserve another kick at the ball!”

Jim Walker, former NFU President and MD of Argent Energy:

“The SNP Government’s track record on farming speaks for itself and given the major decisions that lie ahead, particularly in Europe, we need them back in office to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard.”

John Kinnaird, partner in a family farm business in East Lothian and past NFU Scotland President:

“I am backing the SNP for a second term in Government as they have proved themselves to be a full partner in farming, rural issues and especially Scotland at large.”

Jim Brown, Lanarkshire based leading beef farmer and well known agricultural columnist:

“As one of Scotland’s larger beef producers, I can say that the SNP has done more to understand farming challenges in the past four years than I can ever recall from any other Political Party.”

Angus McCall, tenant farmer from Golspie in Sutherland:

“The next few years will be crucial for Scottish agriculture as we negotiate a new CAP regime. Scotland needs continuity of policy and a strong government which understands rural issues and is prepared to fight our corner. The Scottish Government under the SNP has shown what it can do and Richard Lochhead has led a team which has had the interests of Scottish farming at heart.”

Freda Scott-Park, Loch Lomond-side farmer and veterinary surgeon:

“At last the value of Scotland’s farms, their land and their produce have been recognized by a political party; over the last 4 years the SNP has been good for Scottish agriculture and I will feel more confident for the future of our farm if the SNP are re-elected in May 2011.”

SNP to launch farming manifesto

Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, will today launch the SNP's Farming Manifesto in Argyll. This follows the launch of the SNP's national manifesto which set out key priorities for rural Scotland including accelerated roll-out of superfast broadband as part of the our proposed £50 million Next Generation Digital Fund.

This investment is made possible as a result of the £330 million saving on the cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing. It will ensure that families and businesses in rural Scotland are not left behind with fair access to new generation digital connectivity.

Other SNP priorities include job creation through the further expansion of Scotland's food and drink industry - a sector that has seen 30% growth since the SNP took office. The SNP will take forward a policy that is focused on food production and adding value for Scotland's food producers.

In advance of today's launch, Richard Lochhead has been endorsed by the “elder statesman” of Scottish farming, Fife farmer John Cameron. Writing in the Scottish Farmer Mr Cameron said the industry has been “fortunate” to have been represented by Richard Lochhead and that Mr Lochhead has “served the industry well and is worthy of another term in office.”

John Cameron’s endorsement comes after he received assurances from First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond that the SNP would continue to give rural affairs the same priority, with Richard Lochhead as Cabinet Secretary, should the party be re-elected on 5 May. Mr Cameron joins Lady Claire MacDonald and Angus McColl, leader of Scotland’s Tenant Farmers Association, in supporting Richard Lochhead as Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary.

In the Scottish Farmer John Cameron writes:

“I have already referred to the importance of the calibre of the Minister/Cabinet Secretary appointed to head up Agriculture and I hear the question being asked. 'In the event of another SNP administration will Richard Lochhead be re-appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture?' Trying to take as many ponderables out of the equation as possible I had the opportunity of a conversation with the First Minister, Alex Salmond – at which I asked a direct question regarding Richard Lochhead’s re-appointment to Rural Affairs and Agriculture and I was pleased to receive an assurance from the First Minister in the affirmative. The commitment to rural and agricultural issues from the present administration has been refreshing and heartening and if people so choose at the coming election then we can have Richard Lochhead continue as our Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture. In my opinion the present Minister has served the industry well and is worthy of another term in office. As the old saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!’”

Reaffirming the SNP’s commitment to rural affairs SNP leader Alex Salmond said:

"When the SNP was elected in May 2007 we were determined to have an administration that recognised the massive contribution that our farmers and fishermen make to our economic and environmental well being. They deserve a Government that stands up for their interests here in Scotland as well as in Brussels and London. Richard Lochhead has been a powerful advocate for our rural communities throughout his time in Government. Initiatives such as Scotland's first New Entrants Scheme encouraging a new generation of farmers and the Conservation Credits Scheme that has made our fishermen integral to the fisheries decision making process have been ground breaking. However challenges remain and Scotland needs a strong and experienced voice especially with changes due to CAP and long overdue changes to a broken European fisheries policy that will be decided during the next administration."

Mr Salmond added,

"there is a long way to go in this election, but if the SNP is re-elected in May I will certainly maintain a Cabinet Level Secretary responsible for Rural Affairs, and if he is re-elected in Moray then Richard Lochhead will continue in that role. John Cameron, Lady Claire MacDonald and Angus McColl have all made clear to me how much Richard is valued by the industry. Richard has done a great job and with the re-elected SNP Government we are working hard to achieve, he offers the industry the continuity that is needed at a difficult time. The priority is ensuring that Rural Scotland has a strong voice in Government."

SNP's Recipe For Success - Lady Claire Macdonald Backs SNP Government

“All of Scotland stands a great chance with the SNP.”

Award-winning cook, food writer and owner of Michelin starred Kinloch Lodge on Skye Lady Claire Macdonald has added her voice to those supporting the re-election of an SNP Government and endorsing Rural Affairs Minister Richard Lochhead saying the SNP has been “the most successful government since devolution” and that she will be supporting the SNP because “all of Scotland stands a great chance with the SNP.”

In a video message recorded at Crombies Butchers in Edinburgh available at http://votesnp.com/od she says:



“As far as I’m concerned the SNP Government has been greatly successful - the most successful government since devolution and from my point of view it is an absolute essential that Richard Lochhead is re-elected as Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries.

“He has done what no Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries has done before since devolution. He has gone around Scotland the Highlands & Islands he has listened to people, he has made it his work to understand his brief of farming , be it farmers or crofters or fisherman and he really knows his subject. He knows the value of producing food both in terms of contributing to the Scottish economy and to employment it is such a huge important part of the Scottish economy."

Discussing Scotland’s food industry Lady Claire adds;

“Scotland is full of entrepreneurial small producers and they all have a chance when you’ve got someone like Richard Lochhead responsible for food, for agriculture and for fisheries.

“I’ve seen such a huge improvement in brand Scotland. Brand Scotland in the last four years has taken on a meaning for quality, top quality. People are looking at it with great respect worldwide."

And backing the SNP she says:

"I want to see the SNP re-elected, not because I favour separating the union I don’t - but I support the SNP with all my heart because they really have Scotland in mind, not personal advance. It would be so wonderful to see them re-elected. It would be little short of tragic if they weren’t. All of Scotland stands a great chance with the SNP."

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary and candidate for Moray Richard Lochhead welcomed Lady Claire's endorsement:

“Lady Claire’s support is hugely welcome. Representing Scotland’s food, fishing and farming industries is a huge privilege and one I hope to continue. Over the last four years we have increased sales of Scottish food and drink by 30 per cent and with the help of people like Lady Claire whose passion for Scottish food speaks volumes we will continue to promote Scottish produce at home and abroad as we make Scotland better."

Lady Claire MacDonald

Award-winning cook and food writer, Claire Macdonald is Scotland's foremost ambassador for the revitalised traditions of highland hospitality.

Like many of the greatest cooks, Claire is self-taught and is passionate about home cooking produced with the minimum of fuss and maximum of flavour. Claire's recipes are easy-to-follow, straightforward, and realistic - quintessentially Scottish in taste, but international in appeal.

Claire is the energetic Patron of Scottish Food Fortnight and The Association of Scottish Farmers' Markets. In recognition of her contribution to Scottish food Claire was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

Mother of four, Claire is married to Lord Macdonald, Godfrey Macdonald of Macdonald, High Chief of Clan Donald. For near four decades, the Macdonald’s have run their Isle of Skye home, Kinloch Lodge, as a unique luxury hotel with blazing log fires and ancestral portraits. The hotel is recognised internationally and was cited as one of the world's top 25 small hotels in Conde Nast Traveller magazine and the restaurant has a much coveted Michelin star.

SNP Welcome NFU Scotland's Scottish Farming Manifesto

Farming A Priority For Re-Elected SNP Government

Commenting on the manifesto launched today by the National Farmers Union Scotland the SNP’s Richard Lochhead, the Rural Affairs and Environment Cabinet Secretary, said:

“I very much welcome the NFU’s manifesto that highlights how the next Scottish Government can ensure agriculture responds to the big challenges but also huge opportunities that lie ahead for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.

“The industry has a vital contribution to make in terms of delivering food security, energy security, maintaining our landscapes and helping to achieve a low carbon society. Our track record illustrates how the SNP Government has made agriculture and food a priority over the past four years. A re-elected SNP Government will continue our good working partnership with our rural sectors to deliver greater prosperity and support our rural economy.”

Details of the NFUS' Scottish Farming Manifesto can be found here:

http://www.nfus.org.uk/news/2011/april/union-launches-scottish-farming-manifesto

Michelin Star Chef Andrew Fairlie Backs Re-election of SNP Government

ANDREW FAIRLIE TRUSTS SNP 'TO DO RIGHT THING FOR SCOTLAND'

Scotland only two star Michelin chef and patron Andrew Fairlie has today (Sunday) announced he will be backing the re-election of SNP. In an exclusive interview the chef who is currently celebrating his 10th anniversary of his award-winning restaurant 'Andrew Fairlie' at Gleneagles Hotel, endorsed the Scottish Government's strong performance in the food and drink sector and said the SNP is the only party that will do the right thing for Scotland.

Speaking in the interview Andrew Fairlie said:

"I will be voting SNP in May because I trust them to do the right thing for Scotland. I think this a hugely important Scottish election coming up in May and I think we are going to be faced with some really difficult issues to deal with in all different sectors of life in Scotland and I really don't see any alternatives out there. I have thought long and hard about it. I think SNP is the only one that will do the right thing for Scotland."

On Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead MSP:

"I think Richard Lochhead has done a brilliant job, he must have one of the largest portfolios for all the different sectors he has to deal with and has done a brilliant job taking us from the BSE history where Scottish produce was seen as almost having the black plague to then getting to, for example, Bocuse D'or which is undoubtedly the biggest culinary competition in the world. I think initially there are about 87 different countries competing and to have Scottish Lamb and Scottish Seafood as main components of that competition where they were out there as the best ingredients in the world, I think they (Scottish Government) did a lot of work in the background to actually get it there and Richard has worked tirelessly at doing that. Food exports have gone up quite dramatically for a sector that brings in, or is responsible for, approximately £10 billion for Scottish economy, Richard has done a tremendous job there. He has a big portfolio and has my full respect."

Food Learning Centre For Scottish Pupils

Scottish Government support for food programme at Dumfries House

The creation of a new Food Learning Centre to deliver active learning for pupils from Ayrshire and beyond is being backed by 50,000 pounds investment from the Scottish Government.

The one year grant will fund a full-time Education Officer to deliver the new programme, which will teach pupils about how their food is produced, where it comes from, and how it affects their health and the wider environment. The Food Learning Centre aims to involve 10,000 pupils by 2013.

Young people visiting the centre will take part in both indoor and outdoor activities, while a Continuous Professional Development programme for teachers is also being developed, to help extend food learning back into the classroom.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:

"Scotland is rightly seen as a land of food and drink, with some of the most delicious, highest quality produce anywhere in the world hailing from our shores. That's why we have a national food and drink policy, which aims to promote this richness and build on our international reputation.

"However, in order to progress the food revolution and make Scotland healthier, we need to engage the next generation. Therefore, the new Food Learning Centre at Dumfries House will provide an excellent opportunity to increase this work, with young people in Ayrshire and beyond.

"The practical learning available will enthuse our young people about the bounty of Scotland's larder and bring learning to life. Pupils will learn about key food issues - from the farm gate to the kitchen plate - such as the relationship between our land and the food we eat, the impact of food security and climate change, and the wider environmental and health concerns."

Background

The 50,000 pounds Scottish Government grant will support the appointment of a full-time Education Officer, the development of curriculum resources and the purchase of IT equipment.

Learning about Scottish produce is one of the key areas highlighted in Scotland's National Food and Drink Policy. 'Recipe for Success' recognises that some of our children do not understand how their food is produced, how it is cooked, what is healthy and how it affects their long term health and the wider environment. Find out more at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry/national-strategy

Dumfries House Trust is a charitable organisation located in East Ayrshire that aims to support economic regeneration in south west Scotland. A major feature of the development strategy for the Trust is the plan for the new Food Learning Centre.

Proposals on future animal health management

Partnership approach the route forward to prevent disease

Proposals to develop a partnership approach to the management of animal health and welfare were published today.

The Responsibility and Cost Sharing Report has been published by an expert forum convened by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead in July 2010. The forum was tasked with examining how shared responsibility on animal disease management could be taken forward.

As well as advising against the imposition of a direct levy on farmers to cover the cost of exotic animal disease, the report recommends:

• retaining the General Stakeholder Group which meets regularly to discuss animal health and welfare issues
• that any implementation of cost sharing should be gradually phased in and must be open and transparent
• a mixed model for the cost of compensation should be introduced and should vary depending on disease and the value of livestock
• the introduction of insurance policies to safeguard the industry against losses and business interruption during an exotic animal disease outbreak.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"The European Commission is considering how all member states should balance the responsibilities and costs associated with animal diseases between government and the industry.

"Scotland's industry has a chance to shape how these responsibilities are shared in future and find the best solution for ourselves.

"The forum has consulted widely and openly with the industry on this issue and the preferred option is the introduction of an insurance product to protect them from the disruption that could be created in the wake of an exotic animal disease outbreak.

"The Scottish Government must work with the insurance industry and other UK administrations to ensure that appropriate and affordable products are developed."

Forum Chair, John Ross, expressed his thanks for the frank and open views relayed by the industry which helped shape the final report.

He said:

"While we accept that a number of the recommendations here may be challenging for both the Scottish Government and for animal keepers, they are far outweighed by the benefits to be gained."

Background

The Expert Forum was established in July 2010 with a view to developing and presenting to the Scottish Government, proposals on a partnership approach to the management, including costs, of animal health and welfare in Scotland. It had a particular focus on exotic disease.

John Ross, chaired the forum with members participating on an individual and not organisational capacity. The membership of the and terms of reference can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/RCS

Options considered were:

• a gradual transfer of costs for animal health and welfare service to industry,
• a mixed model for the cost of compensation for animal losses during an outbreak of exotic animal disease,
• an insurance product for animal, and business interruption, losses during an outbreak of exotic disease, and
• raising revenue via levy.

The Expert Forum - Responsibility and Cost Sharing Report is available at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/RCS

Europeans follow Scotland's lead

Lochhead hosts conference on agricultural support

Scotland continued to lead European thinking today when Richard Lochhead hosted an influential conference on the future of agricultural support.

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs welcomed policy makers from the European Commission, Germany, Northern Ireland, Sweden and Italy to discuss future changes to the European Common Agricultural Policy.

The discussions were shaped by the Brian Pack Inquiry commissioned by Richard Lochhead in 2009 which aimed to find the best route forward for Scotland's industry and help influence European thinking. The report has been warmly welcomed by the Commission and has placed Scotland at the vanguard of European negotiations.

Richard Lochhead said:

"An increasing global population and the spectre of climate change have placed food production and food security issues higher than ever on the political agenda.

"This comes at a crucial stage for policy development in Europe. The decisions that Europe makes in the next year or two on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will set the agenda and map out the future for the farming industry between 2014 and 2020.

"A key objective for Scotland it the development of a new regime that directs support to active farmers and helps new entrants to farming.

"Without direct support, the Scottish farming sector would be at a distinct disadvantage and our world renowned food and drink sector, currently worth 11 billion pounds to our economy, would be placed in jeopardy.

"While our domestic market is expanding with consumers realising the true value and quality of our produce, the export market also soared by 15 per cent between 2007 and 2009. A true success story for Scotland's first ever policy on Food and Drink.

"The outstanding quality produce, which has fuelled the international demand for the 'Scottish Brand', would not be possible without the hard work of Scotland's farmers and crofters who actively manage and care for the land to ensure it produces a wide range of agricultural, environmental and social benefits.

"Without direct support to countries on the periphery of Europe these wider benefits would be lost as would the quality and diversity of produce which modern day consumer have come to expect and enjoy.

"Here in Scotland we know that direct payments are crucial to our industry. We know the variety of produce and benefits derived from farming. As well as producing some of the finest quality produce in the world, our farmers protect and conserve unique landscapes, provide a range of habitats for iconic and endangered species and support our nation's reputation for environmental purity and rich natural biodiversity.

"Unlike the UK Government which questions the role of direct payments in the shape of future CAP, we know the value of Scotland's attributes and we support the variety and unique contribution that the smaller member states can bring to the table.

"It is for this very diversity that European Agricultural Commissioner Dacian Ciolos rejected Caroline Spelman's calls to phase out direct payments and it is for that same reason that the Scottish Government will fight for the continuation of that support.

"We have an opportunity, with the eyes of European decision makers upon us, to make a significant difference not only to Scotland's future but the future of the industry across Europe. Let us continue on this path."

Background

EU negotiations are due to begin later in 2011 on the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy for the next seven-year EU budget period, 2014 to 2020.

Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead established an independent inquiry, chaired by Brian Pack OBE, to advise government on the future shape of the CAP to meet Scotland's needs. The inquiry reported in November 2010.

The inquiry's recommendations focussed on defining policy principles at this stage, whilst carrying put follow-up work to turn those principles into detailed policy proposals.

This conference, held in Edinburgh's Holyrood Hotel, forms part of the follow-up work, which will also include detailed consultation with stakeholders through the government's Future CAP Stakeholder Group and sub-groups beneath it.

61.5 Million Pound Funding Boost For Rural Scotland

1600 jobs secured in tenth Rural Priorities funding round

61.5 million pounds of vital funding is being awarded to community, business and environmental projects in some of Scotland's most remote rural areas today as part of the latest Rural Priorities funding round.

This much needed support will create or safeguard at least 1600 jobs in more than 300 projects across the country, encouraging sustainable economic growth in rural areas.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:

"A diverse range of valuable community, business and environmental projects will benefit in the coming years from the latest awards under our Rural Development Programme.

"The Scottish Government has ensured the maximum amount of funding is available to the widest range of recipients possible in this funding round, despite budget cuts imposed by the UK Government.

"This investment of 61.5 million pounds of Scottish and EU funding will create or safeguard at least 1600 jobs in agricultural businesses and community groups, and help to spark sustainable economic growth in remote rural areas for future generations. It will enhance biodiversity, increase renewable energy and reduce the effects of climate change.

"Hundreds of projects across the country are set to benefit, from a community project to improve Corrieyairack Pass in the Highlands, to a new entrant's farm business development in Drymen and a charity-run organic farm shop near Dumfries.

"We have now held ten Rural Priorities funding rounds in only three years, ploughing over 450 million pounds of awards into our rural communities to kick-start more than 5,650 exciting projects.

"We will soon publish details of a further Rural Priorities round to take place in the autumn. In the meantime we're working in partnership with stakeholders to make sure that funding is targeted where it is needed most.

"I'm confident that Rural Priorities can continue to bring maximum benefit to rural Scotland until the scheme's end in 2013."

A number of high quality applications are being further assessed to ensure they contribute to national outcomes and deliver maximum benefit. As a result, some of the funding for this round is yet to be allocated.

Projects approved in this round:

The Speyside Trust is a small independent charity helping children and adults with learning difficulties and other special needs to enjoy holidays. The Trust uses the Corrieyairack Pass for its main fundraising event, the Corrieyairack Challenge. The pass is the longest remaining section of General Wade's military road in Scotland, and provides a popular recreational access route between the Great Glen at Fort Augustus and Laggan at the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. However, the route has been deteriorating for some years. The Speyside Trust will receive 472,464 pounds in Rural Priorities funding to repair drainage and improve over 20 kilometres of track surface, eliminating ongoing damage from water erosion. The project will help to preserve this important historic site for continued enjoyment by locals and visitors to the area.

Old Manse is a hill farm in Balmaha, near Drymen, with 46 highland cows and a flock of 1,000 blackface sheep. A new entrant to agriculture, who has recently taken over the farm from his father, will receive 93,981 pounds to improve the business. He plans to erect a new farm building, re-roof an existing vernacular building, upgrade the farm road and roadside fencing and install a feed bin and secure diesel tank. The new farmer will also use the funding to take business management training, and to buy a mobile sheep handling system and other machinery to modernise the business, improve efficiency and enhance animal welfare. The funding will lead to overall improvements in the sustainability of his business for the future.

Loch Arthur is an organic dairy cow, sheep and pig farm which sells its produce through a farm shop. The farm is part of Camphill Village Trust, a registered charity which provides a community for more than 70 people with learning difficulties to live and work in near Beeswing, by Dumfries. The charity has outgrown its existing premises, and will receive 382,794 pounds to build a new farm shop including a bakery, café and butchery. The farm shop will enhance the opportunity for residents within the Loch Arthur community to work in a safe and pleasant environment, to meet local people, customers and visitors and to get the chance to interact socially. The project will safeguard ten jobs and create seven new posts.

Background

The tenth round of Rural Priorities funding focused primarily on Axis 1 (business development) and Axis 3 (rural communities and rural enterprise) projects. Some funding will be paid over the course of several years to ensure the projects are properly maintained.

Further case studies from this round are available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/KeyFacts/Case-Studies

Rural Priorities is a competitive funding mechanism under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). It delivers targeted environmental, social and economic benefits to 11 designated regions. The priorities for each region are agreed with local stakeholders, and contracts are awarded for the proposals which are best able to deliver those priorities. For more information on Rural Priorities visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities.

Research to strengthen Scotland's recovery

Partnership between science and industry is key to economic success

More than 3.5 million pounds in research funding was announced today to link science and business and strengthen economic recovery in Scotland.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead made the announcement as he opened an innovative new research facility at the Scottish Agricultural College. The GreenCow facility, to which the Government contributed over 500,000 pounds, will help scientists identify the impacts of climate change on farming and determine how best to tackle them to maximise production and safeguard food security.

Richard Lochhead has granted research funding of:

• 1 million pounds for a strategic partnership linking Food & Drink science with
• business in the sector,
• 1 million pounds to forge a strategic partnership in Animal Science Excellence,
• linking science and business in the animal health sector, and
• 1.5 million pounds to build on the successful partnership on Epidemiology, Population Health and Infectious Disease Control (EPIC), to provide a Centre of Expertise to advise policy in Animal Health and Welfare.

The funding follows recent confirmation that in 2011-2012 the Scottish Government's main research providers (MRPs) will continue to share £50 million for their research. Independent studies have confirmed that the work of the MRPs makes an important contribution to the economy and to building business sectors with the potential to drive future growth.

Mr Lochhead announced the 3.5 million pounds for the first year of the new
initiatives when he opened the new GreenCow Research Facility for Greenhouse Gas Emissions at the Scottish Agricultural College, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

He said:

"The Scottish Farming industry recognises the importance of research in providing a solid evidence base upon which any changes in agricultural practice can be made.

Background

The Strategic Partnership in Animal Science Excellence (SPASE) will be led by the Moredun Research Institute working with the Scottish Agricultural College, The James Hutton Institute , the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, the universities of Glasgow and Stirling and the Roslin Institute.

Research areas include understanding how disease limits the growth and performance of farmed animals, exploring options for potential new animal vaccines and reducing the potential for food poisoning from the consumption of meat.

The Strategic Partnership in Food and Drink is led by the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health. It will work with The James Hutton and Moredun Research Institutes, the University of the Highlands and Islands and the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow. The partnership will provide the scientific evidence to support the promotion of healthy eating including the benefits of eating healthy food from Scotland. Industry will benefit from improved marketing and labeling.

This partnership will work with the newly created Scottish Food and Health Innovation Service, a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scotland Food & Drink.

The Centre of Expertise for Animal Disease is led by the Scottish Agricultural College with support from the Moredun and The James Hutton Research Institutes working with the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and the Roslin Institute.

They will build on the experience and skills developed in the current centre of expertise on Epidemiology, Population Health and Infectious Disease Control - also led by SAC. The centre will provide evidence-based advice on how farmers and government can manage livestock to reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks and to minimise their impact.

The GreenCow research facility is co-funded by the Scottish Government, the European Regional Development Fund and SAC . The Scottish Government provided 511,000 pounds towards the cost of the new GreenCow facility in addition to 1.1 million pounds for the Beef Research Centre.

The facility will be used for climate change related research involving the study of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, including methane.

High tech feeding analysis systems have been installed in the animal pens and six special chambers have been constructed to house individual animals and to monitor and measure emissions. The data will advise policy on farming methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.

"We are blessed in having areas of scientific expertise that coincide with important sectors of the economy.

"Investment in science will help Scotland become more resilient to environmental change, optimise the use of our land and other valuable natural assets.

"We are working with the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Enterprise to link our excellence in life sciences with the needs of industry and to support economic development.

"The 50 million pounds funding to the main research providers includes financial support for their input in two exciting strategic partnerships that combine their skills with expertise in the university sector.

"While the partnerships are science driven their focus is on providing outputs of value to industry and economic development.

"I am sure the farming industry will also be very pleased to learn of continued support for the successful centre on animal diseases which has been led by SAC."

Action Plan for organic sector

Plans to boost the organic sector and ensure it contributes fully to the sustainable growth of the food and drink sector were launched today.

The Organic Action Plan, which declares the sector a national target under the Scotland Rural Development Programme, aims to increase production and help it meet increasing consumer demands.

Launching the plan during a visit to Tio Organics, Forres, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead said:

"The action plan comes at an exciting time for Scottish Food and Drink which is now enjoying increasing demand and increased consumer recognition thanks to the work being delivered under Scotland's first National Food and Drink Policy.

"Out ability to produce high quality products lies at the heart of this success with many producers pulling together to meet market demand for fresh, seasonal and local foods.

"The organic sector plays an exemplary role in the supply chain, working with the environment, minimising fertiliser and pesticide use. It is already playing its part in our efforts to tackle climate change in agriculture, particularly in the Farming for a Better Climate initiative and the Soil Association's Climate Change Programme.

"It is crucial that organic businesses enjoy sustainable economic growth. To achieve this buyers have to know the benefits of organic goods and be appraised of the innovation, expertise and developments in the sector."

A spokesman for the Scottish Organic Forum said:

"Organic farming and food has a massive role to play in Scotland's economy with annual Scottish sales in excess of £55 million.

"At a time when sales recovery is well underway with demand for organic produce in the UK and EU showing excellent growth, it is both timely and welcome that the Scottish Government has invested in the production of a new Action Plan.

"We are convinced that the actions set out in the plan will ensure that Scotland's organic sector will continue to enjoy a bright and sustainable future."

The Organic Action Plan includes a range of actions for the industry and Government to deliver:

• continuing support for organic production under the SRDP - making it a National Target in Spring 2011
• continuing to provide support to develop the sector including information regarding the organic supply chain and knowledge transfer through the Scottish Agricultural College
• providing consumer information on organic food and farming
• reflecting the benefits of organic farming more fully across Scottish government policies, particularly regarding sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity, soils, animal welfare and rural development.

The Organic Action Plan was developed over the past 16 months by the Scottish Government in conjunction with the Scottish Organic Forum (SOF). The SOF is led by industry and includes: The Soil Association, Scottish Organic Producers Association, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, Scottish Organic Milk Producers and the Scottish Agricultural College. The views of the wider industry - including NFU Scotland and Scotland Food and Drink - were also sought.

Welcome from Richard Lochhead

Welcome to Farming for Scotland, a group set up and supported by grassroots farmers and crofters that are campaigning for the re-election of the SNP Government in May.

The SNP believes Scotland’s farmers and crofters are essential for our nation’s future.

Over the past four years, we have placed food production and rural issues at the heart of what we do. Many farmers I speak to recognise that we now have a Scottish Government that genuinely cares for agriculture.

We need active farming to deliver food security and maintain our nation’s spectacular landscapes. And the sector helps underpins our rural economy.

There is a lot more to do, not least securing the best possible deal for Scotland under the new Common Agricultural Policy. The UK Tory/Lib Dem Coalition want to talk about scrapping Scotland’s farm payments. The SNP is determined to support active agriculture and maintain our capacity to produce food in all areas of the country – that means we need to protect direct support. Especially when primary producers are still denied a fair share of every pound spent on food.

Through our national food and drink policy, our active voice in Europe, and a range of initiatives such as better animal health and reducing inspections, we want to continue our work with the industry to secure a profitable and sustainable future.

There is so much to do and I am asking for your support to help re-elect the SNP Government on May 5th. Register your support today.

Richard Lochhead