The 10th September was Back British Farming Day and this year certainly holds more importance than ever. The farming sector is facing existential challenges and that is felt even more keenly in rural regions like Kinross-shire which has such a strong agricultural identity.
Throughout the summer, l met with many farmers and rural businesses representatives whose livelihoods and very ways of life are in peril due to the inheritance tax policies imposed upon them. A few months ago, The Daily Telegraph reported that over 6,000 farming, forestry and fishing businesses across the UK have already shut down according to the Office for National Statistics - I can only expect this figure will be even higher now.
Statistics aside, it is all too painful to see several long-established businesses going under right here in the region I represent. This of course raises very serious questions about the future of the countryside and about food security itself. When I visited the Scottish Game Fair and other local agricultural shows during the parliamentary recess, these issues were unsurprisingly at the top of the agenda for just about everyone l met.
Despite the incredible challenges facing farmers, they have shown remarkable perseverance and tenacity. I want to show my appreciation to them here in Kinross-shire for the work they do in consistently delivering high quality British produce. It is these individuals who are responsible for feeding the nation, managing our countryside and sustaining employment and the economy in rural areas. Thank you once again for all that you do.
But this year’s #BackBritishFarming Day requires more than just a celebration of the contribution of farmers to society. In these increasingly dark times for sector, it is a reminder to us all, particularly in rural Scotland, to keep buying local produce and help out our rural businesses.
