McArthur reiterates Orkney beef herd concerns

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has today (Wednesday) raised concerns in parliament on behalf of the farming community in Orkney about the fall in suckler cow number in the islands.

Speaking during Rural Affairs and Islands Questions, Mr McArthur sought assurances from the Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, that the forthcoming Agriculture Bill will "actively support" the retention of the critical mass of Orkney's beef herd and "build desperately-needed confidence" in the wider sector.

It follows concerns raised by NFUS Orkney and local farmers that diminishing confidence and soaring input costs are forcing farmers in the islands to sell even greater numbers of suckler cows each year to make ends meet. Mr McArthur has warned the impact a fall in the critical mass of Orkney's beef herd presents to the wider island economy.

In response, Ms Gougeon acknowledged the importance of retaining cow numbers both for food security and biodiversity reasons. She also confirmed that, following representations by Mr McArthur, the Agriculture Bill consultation will be extended to 5 December, to allow for a face-to-face event to take place in Kirkwall on 28 November.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

"Orkney's farming sector has long enjoyed an enviable reputation for quality, not least in terms of beef production.

"There are growing concerns, however, about a worrying decline in suckler cow numbers and what this could mean for the sector locally. Ever-increasing input costs and a lack of certainty about future policy and funding are undermining confidence in the industry with the risk that we see the decline in cow numbers accelerating.

"A failure to protect the critical mass of Orkney's beef herd would result in far-reaching impacts not just on our farming sector but on the wider island economy and community. It is why it will be so important to get the detail of the forthcoming Agriculture Bill right and focused on the needs of island farmers and crofters.

"I am pleased the Minister confirmed that the consultation on this landmark bill has been extended to allow an in-person meeting to take place in Kirkwall at the end of this month. Hopefully, this will allow the needs and circumstances of our islands to be properly factored into the process that will shape the future of farming in Scotland."