Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has expressed concern at the decreasing number of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and tenant holdings in Scotland.
Statistics from the Scottish Agricultural survey have shown that since June last year, the number of cattle has decreased by 2.3%, sheep by 2.5%, pigs by 12.1% as well as a 5% decrease in the number of tenant holdings.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“During recent negotiations for a revised Common Agricultural Policy emphasis was placed on helping young farmers into the agricultural industry. With a 5% reduction in tenant holdings this measure is now more important than ever.
“The reduction in beef cattle follows a long term trend which has seen three consecutive years of falling numbers. This pattern is also repeated with sheep where we have seen numbers fall nearly every year since 1998.
“The Scottish Government must do all in its power to improve the appeal of farming as a career and ensure that the correct support mechanisms are in place to allow for a productive and efficient agricultural sector.
“Scottish beef herds and sheep are famed across the globe and any decrease in production should be monitored closely.
With global populations increasing, food security is set to become a major issue which means that our agricultural sector must be as productive as possible.”