Cole-Hamilton: Scottish Lib Dems will fight for a fair deal for farmers

Ahead of his visit to the Royal Highland Show on Friday, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has urged both the UK and Scottish governments to end the uncertainty for farming communities and give them the support they deserve.  

Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling on the UK Government to rethink their tax hike on family farms, warning that it will catch too many family farms who will simply not be able to pay the bill.

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has introduced the Food Supply Chain Fairness Bill in the UK Parliament, which aims to get fairer prices for farmers and food producers across the UK.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“There is so much uncertainty facing Scottish agriculture amid the family farm tax, trade barriers, falling income and the squeeze placed on farmers by multinational supermarkets.

“That’s why Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling for an end to the cruel family farm tax, tabled legislation to protect food producers and are fighting to secure the future of our agricultural colleges so that younger generations of farmers can earn a fair living. They deserve guarantees that trade deals won’t put them at an unfair disadvantage and hassle-free trade with our European neighbours.

“Throughout the Royal Highland Show, Liberal Democrats will be listening to farmers and producers, understanding the challenges they face and working out the best way forward.  

“Our farmers are the best in the world. It’s time both our governments recognised their invaluable contributions and backed a thriving future for Scottish agriculture.”

Scottish agriculture spokesperson Claire McLaren added:  

"Farmers are battling many head winds. What they need is confidence to invest in their businesses for now and the next generations.

“Warm words and delayed strategies from the SNP only add to that uncertainty. Meanwhile, the UK Government’s earthquake of a family farm tax will catch too many families who will simply not be able to pay the bill.

“The SNP and UK Governments aren’t showing that they understand the value the sector delivers, economically, socially and environmentally. They deserve a fair deal and that is why the Scottish Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for this industry.”