Listen
Common Agricultural Policy
17/01/2012
The Common Agricultural Policy matters for all Scots – not just the farming community, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said today.
Speaking in advance of a Scottish Parliament debate on Wednesday (January 18), Mr Lochhead stressed that the current European negotiations to reform the CAP would have far-reaching consequences throughout the nation.
He said:
"The effects of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will be felt throughout Europe and Scotland will be no exception. That's why it is so important that we negotiate a deal that delivers for all of Scotland and represents a fair deal for our farmers.
"However, although it is our farmers who will see the most immediate impact nobody in Scotland will be immune from the effects of CAP reform - whether they live in rural communities or the heart of our cities.
"Without the support provided by the Common Agricultural Policy, few of our farm businesses would be viable and much of Scotland's land would be unproductive. It's easy for people to dismiss these issues as unimportant to them. But our farmers are custodians of our countryside and keepers of our natural larder.
"Without them, our beautiful countryside for which we are famed – and draws tourists to our shores – would grow wild and unruly. Without them, our food production would drastically reduce. The fresh produce we all enjoy daily – milk, cheese, eggs, meat, potatoes, bread, vegetables – would become harder to find.
"Our economy would also suffer. Scotland’s fine food is the envy of many and we have a growing export market which would be hard hit. Even whisky, probably our best known export, relies on Scottish grain – and, therefore, Scottish farmers.
"This is why we cannot allow the reform of the CAP to be dismissed as one which solely affects farmers. It affects each and every one of us and that is why I will fight to ensure our voice is heard, both in Brussels and Westminster.
"We need a CAP that is flexible enough to suit the diverse needs of the different countries which will rely on it. In Scotland, many of these diverse needs can be found in one country, making it even more important that we have a policy which is fair and workable. We need a CAP that works for Scotland and I am determined to ensure that is exactly what Scotland will get."
Related information: