Craig Hoy MSP recently visited a lambing shed on an East Lothian farm to learn about modern sheep farming and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Craig met with NFUS representative Lindsay Brown and the team at Stoneypath Farm to learn about the challenges sheep farmers face during lambing season. These included dog worrying and the impact of cost pressures, as well as learning what more the UK and Scottish governments, supermarkets, and consumers can do to support the industry.
Speaking after the visit, Craig Hoy MSP said: “It was great to meet everyone at Stoneypath Farm to learn more about lambing and the challenges modern farmers face. This is an incredibly demanding time for farmers, involving long hours of physical work and little sleep.
“Dog worrying is a real concern for farmers, and I learned more about the harrowing reality of dog attacks, which can lead to farmers having to destroy out of control dogs and sheep that have been attacked. It is therefore vital that visitors keep all animals under control when near ewes and lambs to prevent attacks.”
Craig also discussed the political and financial pressures facing farmers, including the need for multi-annual, ringfenced funding from the Scottish Government and the impact of Labour’s "Family Farm Tax".
He added: “Labour’s Family Farm Tax is causing real anxiety in the farming community, with many worried about how they will afford to pass their farms down. Farmers shouldn’t have to worry about whether their businesses will be able to survive after they die.”
Food security and countryside stewardship should be put before political short-termism by the Labour Government. It is clear from speaking to local farmers that this tax is a direct threat to their businesses. I will continue to pressure the UK and Scottish Governments to support our hard-working farmers.”
Craig also learned about the pressures from the food supply chain in the UK, including food labelling challenges and consumer habits, including the role supermarkets are playing in a race to the bottom on sourcing, safety and quality.
Craig said: "I encourage local consumers to buy local when possible and call on suppliers and both governments to ensure products are accurately labelled. I remain concerned that food products which are not always of the same quality and safety levels could still be using indirect routes to access the domestic UK food market.”