Lochhead poses big questions on future of farming

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead posed some big questions as he kicked off a national discussion on the future of Scottish farming at the Turriff Show today.

At a panel event hosted by NFU Scotland, the Cabinet Secretary set out his vision for agriculture and outlined some of the big questions industry will need to answer to achieve that vision.

He said: "This is a pivotal time for Scottish agriculture, which has achieved many successes over the past few years – not least the phenomenal growth of our food and drink sector.

"But there is more we can all do to exploit our strengths if Scottish farming is to be more productive, innovative, profitable and green in future – as I believe it can be.

"To achieve this vision, we need to take a long, hard look at Scottish farming so we can identify new opportunities for success – and the discussion document I recently launched on the Future of Scottish Agriculture aims to do just this.

"Today’s discussion at the Turriff Show covered some of the really big questions we are facing such as what do we want farming in this country to look like? And what do we need to do to achieve this? What more can farmers do for themselves and where should the Government focus support?

"This was a great way to start the debate, and I look forward to hearing more as the national discussion continues over the coming weeks and months."

If you would like to register an interest in the discussion or to submit your views email agriculturevision@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.