SNP must tackle winter feed crisis

25 Jan 2019

The Scottish Conservatives have today written to Fergus Ewing calling upon the SNP government to urgently set out plans for addressing the winter feed crisis looming in Scottish agriculture at present.

Production of winter feed has been severely affected by a harsh winter followed by a dry summer last year.

This has left farmers facing a choice between extremely expensive food bills, or a reduction in livestock.

Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative shadow rural economy secretary, has asked Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, how the SNP government will ensure that Scottish farmers have access to winter feed supplies at reasonable prices.

He has also asked the Cabinet Secretary what action the SNP government plans to take to support livestock farmers affected by this crisis.

Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative Shadow Rural Economy Secretary, said:

“Once again livestock farmers face being neglected by this SNP government due to a winter feed crisis which is having devastating effects on their farming operations.

“That’s why I have written to Fergus Ewing today requesting that he immediately sets out the Scottish Government’s plans for addressing these issues.

“The SNP must listen to farmers and ensure that they have access to winter feed supplies at reasonable prices.

“After such a hard and late winter for livestock farmers last year, many farmers continue to struggle.

“This is crucial for livestock farmers and the rural economy as a whole. The SNP must act now before it gets any worse.”