Agricultural Forum meets Royal Society of Edinburgh Inquiry

The first meeting of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum was held in a snowy Dunoon on the 3 March. Despite difficult travelling conditions attendees travelled from across Argyll to be able to meet the main players in the Royal society of Edinburgh’s inquiry into Hill and Island communities. Professor Gavin McCrone and Professor Roger Crofts outlined the progress of the inquiry, which intends to publish in June. The Forum learned that the inquiry had taken evidence from many of the peripheral areas across the west coast including Mull and Islay, and had seen the obvious financial difficulties of the farmers operating in these areas. Forum members were pleased to hear that the inquiry recognised that a healthy agricultural sector had positive knock on benefits to rural communities, tourism and the environment. Many issues were raised by members that exacerbate the current situation of the beef and sheep sector in Argyll. Fergus Younger from the Agricultural Forum demonstrated the poor returns Argyll sheep farmers are receiving by highlighting the complex nature of the lamb supply chain. David Kerr, Animal Health Officer with Argyll and Bute Council explained that Blue Tongue disease could have a devastating effect to the area if not properly controlled. The lack of opportunity for young people to live and work in the area was also recognised by Professor McCrone who had taken notice of the lack of affordable housing in periheral areas of Scotland. Angus MacFadyen Chairman of the Agricultural forum thanked the Royal Society members for meeting with the Forum and stated that he hoped, “the Inquiry would be taken into account by the Scottish Government”. Further details of meetings and the work of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural forum is available at www.argyllagriculturalforum.com

3 February 2008