SIR, – Tayside is renowned for its ability to produce healthy fresh food and it is, indeed, shocking that much of this year's crop lies rotting in fields.

Many reasons have been suggested as to where the problem lies, yet it is clear to me that the real reason has been overlooked.

Difficult as it might be to accept, it is surely somewhat risky to invest heavily in an enterprise which is then wholly dependent on a non-guaranteed labour force.

This crisis is a direct result of an ill-divided countryside colliding with an incompatible political force. The consequence of an ill-divided countryside is that many have lost their natural association with the countryside, resulting in a subconscious rejection of rural concerns.

We have crofting in the most remote and barely fertile areas of Scotland, yet to which families retain lifelong association often returning for annual holidays.

Association by birthright is the sure and certain way to ensure that we have farmers and fruit pickers for ever more. But for an ill-divided countryside, not only in Tayside, the sustainability of Scottish farming would be guaranteed.

Tom Gray

West Park,

Braco.