SPEECH BY THE RURAL AFFAIRS and ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY, RICHARD LOCHHEAD MSP, TO SNP ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SPEECH BY THE RURAL AFFAIRS and ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY, RICHARD LOCHHEAD MSP, TO SNP ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Speaking at the SNP’s 75th Annual conference in Inverness today (Sunday) at the Eden Court Theatre, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment , Richard Lochhead MSP, said:

"Conference, it’s great to be back in Inverness isn’t it?

"So much has changed since last time we met here - we are living in an exciting period of Scottish political history

"And it’s the SNP that’s making history.

"I pay tribute to our excellent team of MSPs who run circles around our hapless opposition in Holyrood.

"And our MPs and MEPs who punch way above their weight and whose work rates have left most of their Scottish counterparts disappear from public consciousness. And our councillors who are delivering for their communities.

"Most of all, I pay tribute to the efforts of every member of the SNP, past and present, who has campaigned for Scotland’s cause. It’s their efforts and your continued hard work that have brought us to where we are today.

"Just think, many of you who travelled here by road or rail, will have had the pleasure of knowing that most of the countryside and communities you were passing through are now represented by SNP constituency MSPs, and often MPs and councillors.

"So on your way home, reflect on our Party’s amazing progress.

"And you will also be reminded we represent urban and rural Scotland – we are truly Scotland’s only national party.

"It’s an honour to once again address you as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in the first SNP Government.

"I have the privilege of working alongside our talented Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham in taking forward policies to support our rural communities and to safeguard our environment.

"Over the summer months, Cabinet, once again, held meetings across the country from the Borders to the Western Isles. And again we were struck by the vibrancy of our rural communities.

"After years of being ignored, Rural Scotland has a party in Government that’s on its side.

"Each and every member of the Cabinet has been delivering for rural Scotland.

"To help address our rural housing crisis, rural councils are set to build their first council houses in a generation. We have a record number of police officers patrolling our villages and towns. We are restoring health services such as NHS dentistry and rural health services are being modernized. We are piloting the Road Equivalent Tariff bringing benefits to the islands and we are extending broadband coverage to every corner of the land.

"Just think - the only occasions when Labour have intervened in rural Scotland in the past two years has been to close our post offices or hike up fuel prices!

SRDP

"But challenges remain. The economic downturn has affected many rural sectors.

"So, over the past year we have been working harder than ever before to stimulate the rural economy.

"The Scotland Rural Development Programme continues to play a key role. Over the past year we have committed a further £157 million to support innovation and environmental measures for the benefit of our rural businesses and communities. And we will be drawing down additional tens of millions of pounds from Europe to boost the cash already available for next year.

"We are funding projects across Scotland from farm-based renewable energy projects, new farm shops to bird observatories in Shetland, to community facilities such as village halls.

"90% of Scotland is rural and our rural communities have a big role to play in pulling Scotland out of recession.

Our Natural Resources

"Rural Scotland is blessed with the natural resources that are essential for any nation to be successful in the 21st century.

"As the world’s population grows, rural Scotland will feed our people.

"And as we look for new clean sources of energy, rural Scotland has the capability to power our economy.

"Climate Change is also leading to an increasingly thirsty world, but here in Scotland we have an abundance of water available for our people and for industry.

"Once you add in the talents and skills of our people, then you have the ingredients for a successful and competitive Scotland in the 21st century.

National Food and Drink Policy

"The importance of our food sector, is one of the reasons why the SNP Government is delivering our first ever national food and drink policy.

"Scotland's food and drink is the best in the world – indeed, I’m looking forward to being back in Inverness on Friday to take part in the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.

"As food minister, I get to eat for Scotland – it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it!

"Let me tell you, our efforts to promote Scottish produce are already paying off.

"Since the SNP took office, sales of Scottish brands in supermarkets across Scotland, England and Wales have increased by 21% - that’s over a fifth – worth nearly £300m to our economy.

"The Saltire effect is paying dividends! A welcome boost in the current climate.

"Scottish food and drink is a success story but we want to do more.

"Conference, visitors from across the world come to visit our shores every year to experience the best Scotland has to offer.

"Indeed, 16 million visits are recorded each and every year.

"I’m sure that like me you are sometimes disappointed by the lack of Scottish food served at tourist destinations, and where we do serve local produce, I am often disappointed that we don’t let folk know it’s local and Scottish!

"Conference, I want to see every single overseas visitor introduced to the best of Scotland’s larder, and those holidaying at home given more opportunities to experience their own nation’s produce.

"So today, I can announce a new initiative.

"We will be bringing together representatives from our main visitor attractions to agree how we can transform every Scottish visitor attraction into a showcase for the best of Scotland’s food and drink.

"Measures will include a new charter to promote the use of seasonal produce and guidance to help buyers source Scottish produce.

"Conference, reaching out to 16m customers will provide a further boost to the sector and further enhance Scotland’s image overseas.

"Let’s step up the food revolution and take advantage of producing the best food and drink in the world!

Rural Scotland

"Of course, our food and drink sector relies on the best raw materials.

"Our world famous seafood harvested by our fishermen from our pristine waters,

"Or the fish grown by our successful aquaculture sector – Europe’s biggest and which is being supported with a new ambitious strategy developed by Roseanna Cunningham.

"And we have the crops grown, and the livestock reared, by our farmers and crofters.

Agriculture

"One thing’s for certain - To ensure we can feed the nation, we need to support agriculture.

"And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing. Working with our farmers and crofters to keep Scotland disease-free, to protect our environment and look after our landscapes to protect biodiversity and to benefit tourism.

"But most of all, we need to support them because we absolutely must maintain the capacity as a nation to produce food, and that’s why food production is once again at the heart of agriculture policy.

"And we want to ensure that £500m of public support that is delivered to farmers and crofters is only delivered to those that are genuinely active and delivering these public benefits.

"And that’s why have launched an inquiry into the future of farming payments chaired by Brian Pack.

"To help our hill farmers in particular, we also announced an additional £15m in payments to help them cope with the costs of producing in our more remote areas.

"And Roseanna Cunningham is working closely with our crofters to see how we can help them continue to play their special role in the 21st century.

"We are delivering for Rural Scotland which is just as well given the UK Government’s lack of understanding of the needs of rural industries.

"Just last week, an independent report showed the impact of the Labour Government's future vision for the Common Agriculture Policy – a vision they are trying to sell Europe and that envisages an end to direct support for our farmers to help save the UK Treasury cash.

"If implemented, the UK vision - would be a disaster for Scottish agriculture.

"Labour’s vision ignores Scotland’s distinct characteristics - our land, climate and population.

"We can’t let London Labour make their vision a reality.

"And that’s why it is a travesty that Scottish Ministers are frozen out of the UK’s negotiations with Europe on the future of farming policy.

"Conference, to safeguard rural Scotland’s future, we need our own voice in Brussels and a Minister who stands up for our rural communities - NOT PLOTS AGAINST THEM!

Fisheries

"Conference, one sector that brings healthy food to our tables is our fishing industry. Some sectors are doing very well but others have been hit hard by the recession.

"The downturn brought low fish prices and the loss of niche export markets in France, Spain and elsewhere. And on top of that, many fishermen have faced more and more restrictions from Brussels.

"For many of our fishermen, 2009 has been a tough year.

"And given Friday’s quota proposals from Brussels, 2010 looks as if it will be equally tough.

"The SNP Government will continue to make protecting fish stocks a priority and, yes, being in Government means that, from time to time, we have to take difficult decisions for the long term benefit of the industry.

"But our industry is showing leadership in conservation and we have introduced trail blazing schemes that have won plaudits throughout Europe and beyond.

"It just goes to show that when we are allowed to use our own initiative, we can make a better job of running our affairs than Brussels or London ever will.

"But any law that forces fishermen to discard good quality, marketable fish over the side of the boat, dead back into the sea is crazy. Yet, that is exactly what the Common Fisheries Policy does.

"Discards are a waste of a valuable food resource.

"And economic and environmental madness.

"A million tonnes of fish dumped overboard each and every year in the North Sea by Europe’s fleets.

"Conference, we have to make discards history if we are to save the industry and save the stocks.

"Thankfully, the CFP is being reviewed and Scotland is leading the debate on its future.

"And our guiding principle throughout next year’s CFP negotiations is simple.

"Decision making must be returned to Scotland where it belongs!

"But we can’t wait for 2013 for radical changes – we need changes now – not before it is too late for Scotland’s fishermen.

"And Conference - every SNP Westminster candidate in our coastal communities will be reminding every Tory candidate that it was the Tories that took Scotland into the CFP.

"The official record show the Tories viewed fishing as “expendable”.

"Well our view is that the industry is “invaluable”

"You can trust the SNP and in the storms ahead we’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with our fishing communities.

"Conference, after my speech, I am going to Luxembourg for tomorrow’s European agriculture and fisheries council.

"But when I get to the Council Chamber tomorrow, I won’t be allowed to sit at the top table.

"I’ll get to observe but not to participate. I’ll be representing Scotland but not able to put Scotland’s case.

"You know at a recent council meeting, the UK Minister had to leave early.

"Did he offer the seat to the Scottish Fisheries Minister?

"No – wait for it - on orders from Downing Street, he instructed one of his civil servants to take the vacant seat.

"So we had to two civil servants at the top table - neither of whom would be able to point to Peterhead, Lerwick or Eyemouth or Stornoway, or any fishing port on a map!

"London Labour will go to any length to stop Scotland having a voice on one of our key national interests.

"Friends, Scotland has 70% of the UK’s quota - and we have a Government that makes fishing a priority.

"At the top table, to the left of the UK, sits Malta - a country the size of Edinburgh - and on the right sits the small nation of Estonia – same population as Greater Glasgow!

"Conference, Scotland’s fishing communities deserve to have their voice heard at the top table - not gagged on the sidelines.

"When many of our fishermen are fighting for economic survival, our proud fishing industry needs Scottish independence more than ever.

Marine Bill

"Conference, our fishermen and marine sectors rely on a healthy marine environment. And that’s another area where we are showing international leadership.

"Scotland’s first Marine Bill is now making its way through Parliament.

"For the first time, we will have a planning system for our waters to help us strike a balance between the competing demands for our valuable marine resources.

"And we will have the ability to establish Marine Protected Areas to help safeguard our unique marine environment - that is home to some of the planet’s most spectacular habitats and over 40,000 species.

"Years from now, this Party will look back with pride at how it was an SNP Government that took that action to protect our seas.

Climate Change

"One factor that is certainly impacting on our seas is climate change.

"Climate change will change our lives and environment.

"We all have a role to play in tackling climate change; the smallest action can make the biggest difference.

"And our Government is helping to generate grassroots action across Scotland.

"Our Climate Challenge Fund of nearly £28m is funding is helping 157 projects across Scotland - £700,000 towards allotments and grow your own schemes, to energy efficiency projects.

"Collectively, these latest projects will reduce Scotland's emissions by 250,000 tonnes - the equivalent of taking 83,000 cars off the road.

"We are empowering communities to reduce their own carbon footprints. Bottom up action is often better than top down and we must hand more power to our communities in the future.

Zero Waste Strategy

"We can also help reduce emissions by reducing the amount of waste generated by society.

"Our Zero Waste Strategy is about much more than cutting emissions - it is about preserving our finite resources.

"It is about helping to cut costs by cutting waste – something that is even more important in this economic climate. And treating waste properly could create 2,000 new jobs.

"We have achieved much already.

"Since devolution, recycling rates have gone up from just 5% to 34%. And we recently met our 2010 landfill target 18 months early

"Our Carrier Bag campaign has already halved the number of free carrier bags issued by our supermarkets.

"Our National Spring Clean campaign this year recruited a record 50,000 volunteers to clean up their communities.

"We have launched a Love Food, Hate Waste campaign to cut down on food waste.

"These just a few examples of how we are acting to clean up Scotland and move towards a zero waste society.

Flooding

"One consequence of climate change for our communities is the increased threat of flooding.

"This was brought home to me recently when I stood alongside my constituents as the River Lossie in Elgin broke its banks and brought devastation to the local community.

"Serious flooding is becoming more frequent and poses enormous challenges for society. Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament passed the Flood Risk Management Act that will speed up the process for getting flood prevention schemes in place.

"And there has been more expenditure on flood prevention schemes in the past two years since we came to power than was delivered by the previous administration in eight years.

"But we know that more needs to be done and we are continuing to work in close cooperation with local authorities.

Forestry

"In tackling climate change, we must also make the most of our existing resources.

"Scotland's forest estates are one of our best national assets.

"Over the coming years we will be seeking to grow the forestry industry and increase our planting rates – forestry is a vitally important industry is many parts of Scotland.

"And timber buildings are energy efficient and the forests that produce them store carbon and are a renewable resource.

"Today, I can announce an even greater role that our forests will play in tackling climate change.

"The SNP Government is going to use our forests to produce renewable energy.

"We are going to establish joint ventures with communities and developers, and it’s estimated these renewable energy partnerships with the National Forestry Estate could generate electricity for one million homes, and £30 million a year in revenues.

"The climate change challenge needs new thinking and that’s what the SNP is delivering.

Our Natural Environment

"Conference, Climate Change reminds us about the fragility of our planet.

"And the fragility of our planet reminds us about the importance of protecting our natural environment – our landscapes, our water quality, and our native species. The SNP attaches enormous value to our species and habitats.

"And Conference, that’s why it’s appalling to witness the targeting of our iconic birds of prey.

"Every time we see pictures in our newspapers of dead golden eagles it’s sickening.

"Rest assured that Roseanna Cunningham is working hard with the authorities and rural interests to tackle this.

"And those who commit these despicable crimes can also be assured –

"Assured that this Government will hound them until the deliberate killing of our iconic species stops.

Conclusion

"Conference, In Government, we acting to protect our natural heritage, wildlife and everything that is special about our environment.

"And the SNP is delivering for rural Scotland.

"We are striving to sustainably use our natural resources to deliver economic and social benefits for the people of Scotland.

"We have an unrivalled natural environment that if used responsibly will continue to make our country a great place to live.

"We have the people and the skills to make the most of our resources.

"All we need is the political leadership and the political powers to make the most of what we have.

"All that stands in our way to becoming one of the world’s most successful nations is an outdated 18th century union – but we know its days are numbered.

"But first we have to continue on our successful journey - first we have Glasgow North East and then the Westminster elections and then sooner or later we will have the Independence Referendum.

"Let’s get the job done – let’s win freedom for our country! “