HUGE GROWTH in Scotland's food sector turnover has yet to be of much benefit to the farmers supplying its raw ingredients, Conservative MSP Edward Mountain has claimed.
In a speech to the Scottish Parliament, the Highlands and Islands MSP lauded the growth of the Scottish food and drink industry but also called on the Scottish Government to ensure that farmers, growers and fishermen get fairer prices.
Despite a 44% rise in turnover in the sector, the prosperity had not filtered down to the farm gate, said Mr Mountain, with farm incomes falling by 75% since 2011 and 59% of farmers making less than the Minimum Agricultural Wage per hour.
“Without realistic prices for produce, farmers cannot invest and increase production to supply the needs of a growing Food and Drink sector.
"The Scottish Government must ensure our farmers and fishermen get a fair price for what they produce. Processing and retailing industries need producers, so they must reward them or production will stall and shrivel."
Mr Mountain also called on all levels of government to make greater strides to source and serve locally produced Scottish food in hospitals and schools.
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