Scottish Conservative, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has launched a scathing attack on the effects the SNP's land reform proposals will have on young farmers. Accompanied, by the Conservative's General Election Candidate in Ochil and South Perthshire, Luke Graham, the MSP spoke out following a meeting at the Dupplin Estate with Judith Hogg of Scottish Land Estates and various representatives of the Perthshire Young Farmers community.
Liz Smith MSP said:
"It is becoming increasingly obvious that the SNP's new land reform proposals are a cynical attack on the rural economy and everyone who works in it. No doubt, the SNP believed that those who would get hit hardest who be the richer landowners, but nothing is further from the truth. Indeed, some of the worst affected are likely to be small-hold farmers and people who are trying their level best to make small rural businesses work in what is a very challenging economic climate.
“Young farmers in particular, are worried about their future. That is the inexcusable consequence of the SNP's policy agenda. These young people believe that the new proposals will do great damage to the rural sector and they naturally worry greatly about the fact that the new proposals could prevent their parents from passing on their house to the family member of their choice. This uncertainty is very damaging at a time when the rural sector is already facing so many other pressures."
Luke Graham said:
"It is very clear from speaking to the young farmers' representatives today, just how deeply concerned they are about the SNP's land reform proposals. It is difficult enough encouraging sufficient young people to take up farming without burdening them with this completely unnecessary legislation. Surely, the whole purpose of government is to support these young people not to threaten their whole livelihood. That is why the Scottish Conservatives will vigorously oppose these plans which are far more to do with a political agenda than the good management of the land."