This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ross Finnie comments on Scottish Agricultural income estimates for 2000
31/01/2001
Commenting on the revised 2000 farm income forecasts published by the Scottish Executive today, that confirmed a thirteen per cent fall in Total Income From Farming (TIFF) , and showed a forecast fall of four per cent in average Net Farm Incomes for 2000/01, Ross Finnie, Minister for Rural Development said:
"These figures are very similar to the forecasts we published last November, showing a further drop in farm incomes during 2000. They show quite graphically the severe financial difficulties facing Scottish agriculture.
"I am under no illusions about the gravity of the situation and the tough challenges facing Scottish farmers. In recognition of these difficulties I fought hard last year to secure a package of measures which would offer immediate short-term support for the most hard-pressed sectors of the industry.
"I recognise, as do the majority of our farmers, that additional cash handouts, while no doubt welcomed by farmers are no long term answer. That is why I have been working hard with the industry to devise a strategy which I hope will secure the long-term viability and sustainability of Scottish agriculture. I hope to publish the fruits of our combined labours in the next month or so.
"The Lloyds -TSB survey of Scottish farmers published 10 days ago suggested that signs were emerging of a modest return in confidence amongst Scottish farmers allied to a recovery in the euro. I very much hope that these trends will continue throughout the year"
BACKGROUND
- The Minister for Rural Development was commenting on the latest 2000 farm income forecasts published today by the Scottish Executive in Statistical News Release SE0182/01. These provide an update to the forecasts published by the Executive in Statistical News Release SE03088/00 on 30 November 2000.
2. More detailed information will be provided in " Scottish Agriculture Output, Input and Income Statistics" and in "Farm Incomes in Scotland 1999/2000" which will be published and will be made available on the Scottish Executive web-site in early March 2001.
News Release: SE0184/2001
31 Jan 2001