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Lord Sewel comments on SNFU Rally
30/01/1998
Commenting on the rally in Edinburgh today by members of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland, Lord Sewel, Scottish Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Minister, said:
"In response to the short term difficulties faced by farmers, the Government has already announced a package of special aid worth £85 million. Nearly 30 per cent of that package will benefit Scottish farmers. This special aid is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to the farming industry, particularly the most fragile sector in the hills. The strength of sterling is a problem for other industries also, but only for farmers has Government gone out of its way to offer new money to help the industry tide over immediate pressures.
"Today's rally, and the sense of crisis in the industry, reflect one overwhelming factor: the strength of sterling. But the fact that the industry is so vulnerable to fluctuations in the currency must be of fundamental concern. While the Government has responded through additional aid of £85 million to the short term problem, we must work with the industry to secure a more economically sustainable future.
"There will be change; there has to be change. We cannot avoid change if the industry is to have a long term future. That is why I have initiated a series of discussions with the industry on how we can best manage that change to reach a more competitive, more market responsive and more profitable industry.
"The second of those discussions has been arranged for Monday. We will be looking in detail with the Union at the European Commission's proposals for CAP reform in the Agenda 2000 context. This is an issue of real significance for the future of the industry.
"These discussions will continue. The Secretary of State and I intend to meet the Union again shortly to take forward this dialogue about the future of the industry."
News Release: 0169/98
January 30, 1998