By NFUS vice president Martin Kennedy (keeping safe and healthy in his lambing shed in Highland Perthshire)

What a difference a couple of weeks can make.

A few weeks ago, we were selling sheep at a price that, although it seemed very dear, was probably around where they should be, considering how much it’s cost to keep them till now.

Unfortunately, due to the impact of coronavirus, the price has reduced dramatically as exports have proven very difficult and demand has dropped considerably, particularly in the food service sector which plays a big part not only here but in France.

We still have several prime hoggs left at home, and it can only be hoped that after all the panic bulk buying has been consumed, there will be a return of home demand as imports will remain challenging.

It is, however, sad to see that New Zealand lamb has still managed to get here and is on the shelves in some stores – the rumour being that as the Asian market closed down, what was due to go there has now come to our shores.

We do need NZ lamb here when we cannot produce enough of our own, but when we have plenty this should simply not happen. A letter from NFUS will go to all retailers next week making the point that our farmers and crofters are the ones right now who people are turning to for secure, reliable supplies of food and drink.

I have no doubt that when we get through this dreadful situation, food security will have a whole new meaning to many people and it should be brought home to roost that having the ability to feed your own country is vitally important.

It’s not often that agriculture is seen as having that essential status but it’s blatantly obvious now. It’s ironic that only a few short weeks ago there was a leaked document appeared, written by an adviser to the treasury stating that we could in effect do without farmers. It’s hard to believe that an official adviser with such an important role could make such a stupid, ill-informed remark given what is now happening.

Right now is not the time for pushing how important agriculture is – that time will come as we come out of this crisis and people begin to realise that our industry cannot be taken for granted.

Right now, it is our job to feed the country. That’s something we’ve done with great pride for generations, and it’s something we will do for generations to come.

We are all in a health emergency and it’s very pleasing for once, to see governments working together to reach the same goal by protecting lives. It is also incumbent upon them to also recognise what is important long term.

Climate change is still an issue we must address, environmental protection and biodiversity is still an ongoing concern. Food production in Scotland is uniquely placed to deliver on so many issues, and provided we get our future policy correct farming and crofting in Scotland will be seen to be the largest part of the solution. This will be a big change from being consistently criticised for being part of the problem.

And it’s only a personal feeling from the Perthshire countryside, but it is interesting to note how much clearer the air is right now with our industry still going flat out.

Here’s hoping we get through this immediate challenge, and by adhering to all current advice we can limit the hardship and heartache that will undoubtedly be felt by many.

For our farmers and crofters, play your part. Stay clean – Stay apart – Stay well.

(The blog was first published on www.nfus.org.uk)

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Thanks – and stay safe