News / Dairy farmers’ “sticking plaster” not enough
A £2.3 MILLION aid package for Scottish dairy farmers has been described as applying a “sticking plaster” when full medical treatment is needed.
The Scottish government and opposition politicians were united in their condemnation of the one-off support payment, announced by the UK government late on Thursday.
DEFRA said the average payment for Scottish dairy farmers could be £2,620 to help with cashflow problems stemming from the current low prices for milk and other produce.
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott who has been pressing the Scottish government for additional help for farmers and crofters to combat the impact of a particularly poor summer said the aid package would make very little difference.
“This is a sticking plaster when agriculture needs the full medicine test. Many sectors are under real pressure especially dairy and sheep producers,” he said.
“This Scottish allocation won’t make a significant difference. I will press for these limited funds to be used to help with freight costs for additional fodder needed by local farmers and crofters.”
Scottish agriculture secretary Richard Lochhead was similarly dismissive.
“At first glance this allocation on which we were not consulted is very disappointing for the dairy industry in Scotland,” he said.
“This appears to take no account of the challenges facing Scottish farmers such as the wet weather and issues also facing our lamb sector.
“Our farmers have already lost out the full £190 million convergence uplift and on the £1 million red meat levy lost to Scotland annually – and yet again find themselves short-changed by the UK government.
“It’s third time unlucky at the hands of DEFRA.”
UK environment secretary Elizabeth Truss announced a UK–wide package worth £26.2 million on Thursday of which £2.3 million is allocated for Scotland.
“We recognise that many farmers are suffering financial difficulty at the moment and the support announced today will offer some relief,” she said.
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