Caithness farming to play crucial role in economy
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RURAL Caithness has a huge part to play in the future of the Scottish economy as the UK continues to tackle a tough financial climate.
That was the view of Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore who said farming in the area has made a significant contribution to the food and drink industry.
He was visiting the Far North this week to meet local business owners and industry representatives to talk about challenges facing the economy.
Yesterday morning he met Bilbster Mains Farm manager Danny Miller and chairman of Caithness NFU Arnot Coghill to discuss the issues which are facing farmers in the Far North. Speaking to the Caithness Courier, Mr Moore said he listened to the views regarding proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy and said any decision made must be of benefit to the industry.
"I’m very keen to make sure my colleagues at DEFRA [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] understand as broadly as possible the issues that face Scottish agriculture as we face this critical period of CAP reform," he said.
"It is a challenging environment with finances being tight and the environmental issues that are facing the industry, but it is important that when re-drawing the rules we respect people in this part of Scotland.
"At this stage we’re in the early phase of discussing the principles and some of the details and we want to make sure that it is recognised how different Scottish agriculture is to the rest of the UK."
Mr Moore said the economy has been boosted by the boom the food and drink industry is currently experiencing.
He said its success has been down to the strength of expertise that exists in Scottish agriculture and said it is important its successful partnership continues.
"The agricultural industry is still fundamentally important to the national economy and I hope and believe that it always will be," he said.
"We have managed to tame the land that would have been unthinkable over a 100 years ago.
"Farmers in Caithness, regardless the size of their business, have shown that they are specialists in their own area and that is repeated all over the country which benefits our economy. The food and drink sector is built on the strength of the agriculture industry, so it is really important that we keep them in harmony with one another.
"I am optimistic that Scottish agriculture can continue to do well but there are big challenges ahead and it is important that is understood."
Meanwhile, Mr Moore visited Reids of Caithness in Thurso and Icetech Freezers in Castletown on Monday as both companies have signed up to UK Government’s Youth Contract.
The £1 billion initiative aims to provide nearly 500,000 new opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds across the UK, including apprenticeships and work experience placements.
Mr Moore said it is important more firms sign up to the initiative to give young people the chance to enter employment.
"The Government is committed to getting young people into work and we have been working hard in Scotland to tackle the issue," he said.
"The Youth Contract will help young people in Scotland as it will provide support for them through Jobcentre Plus and through work experience, and it will help employers looking to recruit 18 to 24-year-olds with wage incentives."
