SNP WILL CHAMPION SCOTLAND’S RURAL INTERESTS

SNP WILL CHAMPION SCOTLAND’S RURAL INTERESTS

UK PARTIES FAIL SCOTLAND’S FARMERS

The SNP today set out the party’s commitment to Scotland’s farmers and
rural communities as Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead met with farmers
and food producers in Argyll and Bute as he campaigned in the constituency
with SNP candidate Mike MacKenzie and MEP Alyn Smith.

Mr Lochhead said that Scotland’s farmers needed local and national champions
at Westminster, working with Scotland’s farmers, crofters, food producers
and Scotland’s Government to ensure the best deal for the industry.

Speaking after a meeting with the local farmers in Argyll prior to his
visit to a local food company in Oban Mr Lochhead set out key issues where
Scotland’s voice must be heard in Westminster.

Mr Lochhead said:

"The SNP is now firmly established as rural Scotland's champion and our
rural communities must make their voice heard in the coming elections.

"A successful rural economy needs successful agriculture. Our farmers are
the best in the world and that’s why we have outstanding landscapes and
produce some of the world’s most famous food and drink. The invaluable
role farming plays means the industry deserves public support and is a
high
priority in the eyes of the SNP.

“Scotland’s farmers and crofters need local and national champions in
Westminster to ensure the industry’s voice is heard in the vital years
ahead. There are big decisions coming up that will be made by the UK
Government. Without the SNP, the distinctive needs of Scottish agriculture
will be ignored.

“With the Common Agricultural Policy about to be renegotiated, the need for
strong Scottish voices to champion the farming sector’s cause in Westminster
could not be greater.

“The partnership developed between the Scottish Government and our farmers
has helped nurture the mood of returning optimism in Scottish agriculture.
Farming is now at the heart of the Scottish Government’s agenda. The demand
for Scottish food produce is on the up and food security is now recognised
as a major issue.

“That’s why the SNP Government has set up the Pack Inquiry to look at the
future of agriculture policy from the Scottish perspective and why in
Holyrood and in Brussels we are opposed to the UK Government’s plans to
scrap support for our farmers.

“ Many vitally important decisions will be taken in London in the next few
years that will require Scottish Champions within Westminster as well as a
strong SNP Government in Holyrood. “

SNP MEP and European Agriculture spokesman Alyn Smith joined Mr Lochhead and
Mike MacKenzie in Oban. He added:

“Time and time again, the SNP Government in Scotland has stood by our
farmers, helping them cope with various crises including weather and animal
disease to name but two of many examples. This support contrasts with the
attitude of UK Ministers in London who have turned a blind eye to just about
every plea from the Scottish industry over the years.

“The partnership developed between the Scottish Government and our farmers
has helped nurture the mood of returning optimism in Scottish agriculture.
Farming is now at the heart of the Scottish Government’s agenda. The demand
for Scottish food produce is on the up and food security is now recognised
as a major issue.

“That’s why the SNP Government has set up the Pack Inquiry to look at the
future of agriculture policy from the Scottish perspective and why in
Holyrood and in Brussels we are opposed to the UK Government’s plans for CAP
reform."

Mike MacKenzie, the SNP’s candidate for Argyll and Bute added:

“Food and farming is an essential part of the economy in Argyll and Bute and
I am determined that our important industries should be properly represented
in Westminster.

“ If left to their own devices, we know from bitter experience that the
London parties will not hesitate in negotiating poor deals for rural
Scotland in Brussels and that’s why of all EU countries, Scotland currently
has the lowest level of European rural development funding – we even have
the lowest in the UK!

“Each and every SNP MP elected on May 6th will champion Scottish causes and
ensure the needs of Scotland’s farmers and rural communities are understood
in the Westminster parliament and I will make sure the interests of Argyll
and Bute are at the front of that queue..”