Latest news with #AndrewConnon
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Vaccinate to tackle fatal animal virus, says Scotland's chief vet
Scotland's chief veterinary officer is urging farmers to vaccinate livestock against the deadly bluetongue virus that has been sweeping across restrictions in areas of the east and south east, where the virus has been detected, have been lifted making the whole of England a restricted zone (RZ).But while the change will make it easier for cattle and sheep to move around England, animals coming to Scotland will have to be tested or Scotland's president, Andrew Connon, said it was important for farmers to stick to the rules and keep the virus out. The Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is carried by infected midges and can cause animals "significant suffering" and death, according to a letter sent to farmers from the chief vet Sheila said the widening of the restricted zone to cover the whole of England removed a "buffer" and that the disease "could creep closer to Scotland without warning".She added: "There is a general industry consensus that Scotland should work with the intention of remaining BTV-3 free for as long as possible, and we will deploy a suite of movement restrictions from the RZ and surveillance measures to achieve this goal." Although Bluetongue can be devastating for farmers, there is no risk from the virus to human vaccines have been available since April but have to be provided at the expense of the vets are understood to be administering them for around £5 per dose to make it affordable for whole which have had one type of vaccine - called Bultavo-3 - are able to move from England to Scotland without further cattle which have been given other makes of vaccine - or any other animals - will have to be tested before and after being moved to say that testing is prohibitively expensive for sheep meaning cross-border trade is likely to be significantly from NFU Scotland suggest 193,000 sheep were moved from England to Scotland last year along with 50,000 figures don't include animals which were brought to Scotland for bodies including the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers say the restrictions should be extended to cover the whole of the UK to allow the flow of cross-border trade to continue. But NFU Scotland says that while the restrictions will be difficult for farmers, it's right that every effort is made to keep the virus out for as long as possible.
Scotsman
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Farmers vow to keep pressure on 'family farm tax'
Farming leaders said the inheritance tax changes have been the most emotive issue they've witnessed in their lobbying careers. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Farming unions have vowed to 'keep up the pressure' on the UK Government to revise the controversial 'family farm tax'. From next year, a 20 per cent inheritance rate is set to be levied on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, which were previously exempt. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The proposals, announced in last year's Autumn budget, have been described as 'draconian' and 'industry threatening' by farming unions. The plans saw tractors descend on Westminster and Holyrood and elsewhere across the UK on several occasions in protest earlier this year. Royal Highland Show takes place over four days in June and is Scotland's largest agriculture event Asked if the inheritance tax changes are likely to go ahead, National Farmer's Union Scotland (NFU Scotland) leader Andrew Connon said the organisation is still lobbying hard to fight against them. Andrew Connon, head of the National Farmers Union Scotland | NFU Scotland Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, Mr Connon said: 'We will keep the pressure on because it is so fundamentally important. 'It has been the most emotive thing I've come across in my career in the union. We will not give up the fighting. We will not give up.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK government insists only around 500 farms will be impacted, but the figure is disputed, with rural groups claiming the impact will extend a lot further. A report published earlier this year showed almost half (49 per cent) of farmers have paused or cancelled investment in their businesses because of what the fiscal changes would bring. Farming unions have previously called for a pause in the debate until a profitability review of farmers in the UK had been carried out. Last month, the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Efra), which includes seven Labour MPs - a majority - warned UK ministers should delay the reforms to farming inheritance tax due to 'poor' communication in policy that could impact vulnerable farmers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Efra report called on UK government ministers to push back announcing its final agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) reforms until October 2026, to come into effect in April 2027. They said by doing so it would bring a 'better formulation of tax policy', which would buy more time for 'vulnerable farmers' to seek advice. A response to the report from ministers is due to be issued next month, the NFU Scotland said. Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, who also attended the show, acknowledged there are disagreements in the agricultural sector over the so-called family farm tax, but insisted 'we're not going to change our minds'. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray | PA Despite opposition to the proposed tax changes from farming unions, Mr Murray, who attended the UK Government stall at the show, said the debate had not led to antagonism at the show. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Murray said: 'I've just met with the NFUS and the president there. 'We had a long discussion for 40 minutes on issues we're helping them with.' He said these included seasonal worker immigration issues. The Scottish Secretary added: 'They're very, very happy about the SPS agreement and the EU trade deal. 'They want to advance that and go even further for obvious reasons. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'And then we had a small chat about inheritance tax as well. 'Of course it's an issue where we're not going to agree on everything. 'But the UK Government's been pretty clear that we made that change in October, we're not going to change our minds on that. 'So we're going to have continued dialogue and discussions with the industry.'
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
'It's like trying to plant in concrete'...farmers fear driest spring in 100 years spells disaster
Farmers have warned of an 'existential' threat to Scottish agriculture as the country continues to bask in the driest Spring in over 100 years. The unbroken sunshine that has delighted the public for weeks is fast becoming a 'disaster' for farmers who are struggling to grow crops in 'bone dry' earth. Industry leaders warn that scorching conditions are creating serious, long-term challenges that could hit crucial Scottish industries ranging from whisky to forestry and dairy. Andrew Connon, President of NFU Scotland, said: 'Scotland is facing one of its driest springs in recent memory and farmers are bracing for a tough summer ahead. 'Normally we'd expect this kind of weather in July, but we're seeing drought-like conditions hit in April and May. 'After a winter with barely any snow, soils are bone dry and unless we get proper, sustained rain soon, the consequences for food production could be severe.' The alarm comes after Scotland recorded the driest start to the year since 1964. From January to April the country only received 59 per cent of its long-term average rainfall, creating water scarcity across all of Scotland according to environment agency Sepa. Dan Stroud, Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: 'So far, Spring has been abnormally dry and very sunny. Rainfall throughout May so far has measured just 3.3ml, which is 5 per cent of the Scottish average of 19ml that we would expect for this month.' Farmers said crops like potatoes and vegetables are struggling to push their foliage through baked and hardened soil, while wheat sown in the Autumn is producing small, shrivelled grains. Tim Eagle, Scottish Conservative Party spokesman on Rural Affairs, said: 'This time of year is crucial for our crops but right now the soil is so dry, it is like trying to plant in concrete. If this carries on much longer, the effects on agriculture will be devastating.' Campaigners add that not only are arable harvests under threat, but dry conditions now will also create food shortages for livestock and game later in the year. Farmer and activist Jamie Blackett said: 'A lack of rain now means the risk of going short later on for those of us with livestock. 'We may have to buy in expensive feed over the winter or even sell cows to reduce the mouths to feed.' He continued: 'In the uplands a lack of moisture can mean a lack of insects to feed grouse chicks and mean that there isn't a harvestable surplus of grouse to shoot come the 12th of August. 'That spells disaster for moorland communities dependent on the income from shooting.' Industry leaders stress that the looming crisis posed by the heatwave has been worsened by the government's failure to invest in and maintain future-proof water storage systems. The NFU's Andrew Connon added: 'We've been calling on the Scottish Government to support farmers with capital funding for water storage and efficiency – things like boreholes, lagoons and irrigation technology […] we now need action to back that up.' A SEPA spokesperson said: 'Active consultation is ongoing with organisations across Scotland, including NFU Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland, Golf Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Water to help share important information and ensure that advice and support is available.' The Met Office said the heatwave is likely to continue until Friday, with temperatures rising to as high as 22C during the week.
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Could farms cash crisis really see cattle and sheep disappear from Scotland's fields?
CATTLE and sheep could soon disappear from Scotland's fields as profits for farmers drop to a record low, a leading member of the sector has warned. Official figures highlight the decline of the country's once-vibrant farming sector - showing the average livestock farm last year made just £2,600. Shockingly, two-thirds of livestock farms actually lost money. Now farming leaders have issued a dire warning that falling profits are threatening entire rural communities. They also called for urgent action, from individual shoppers as well as from supermarkets, to ensure farmers can afford to keep producing the high-quality beef and lamb for which Scotland is internationally renowned. The head of farmers' union NFU Scotland explained the sector is caught in a 'vicious cycle' - where financial pressures mean fewer and fewer famers are able to continue in business. And as numbers of cattle and sheep decline, supplies of Scotch meat are reduced, meaning shops and supermarkets become increasingly reliant on imported products - making it even harder for Scottish farmers to turn a profit. NFUS President Andrew Connon said: 'Figures for falling farm income are a serious concern and highlight the deepening financial pressures facing Scotland's food producers. 'Livestock farmers are caught in a vicious circle and the situation is unsustainable. Agriculture is the backbone of the rural economy. It doesn't just support the farmers themselves, it also supports a whole network of other businesses, such as feed manufacturers, vets, shed-makers, engineers, mechanics, not to mention the abattoirs, hauliers, auction marts and all the other parts of the food industry. 'Scotland needs a vibrant farming sector, where farmers can actually make a living, otherwise farms will contract, merge or cease trading altogether. You can already see it in the fields and on the hills: there are fewer animals - and fewer people.' Newly published figures from the Scottish Government lay bare the stark economic realities of livestock farming. A report into Scottish farm business income shows profits on an average lowland cattle and sheep farm fell sharply in 2023/24 to just £2,600. By comparison the average in 2012/13 was £35,000. Even with government subsidies, the proportion of cattle and sheep farms making a profit dropped to a low of just 33 per cent. Meanwhile only 45 per cent reported being able to afford to pay staff the minimum agricultural wage, which in 2023 was £10.19 an hour. The new figures follow publication at the end of last year of an official agricultural census which showed number of cows and sheep in Scotland had fallen to a record low. In the heyday of Scottish cattle farming in 1974, the country boasted a herd of 2.7million cattle. After years of decline, the number fell last year to a low of just 1.7m cows. The total number of sheep dropped to a new low of 6.5m - down from 6.7m in 2012. The census also showed a sharp decline is the overall number of farmers - with 'Working Occupiers' on Scotland's farms falling to a record low, from 40,957 in 2012 to just 34,907. An investigation by NFUS into supermarket sourcing revealed last month that just 17 per cent of own-label products in major retailers are sourced from Scotland, despite strong demand from consumers. Meanwhile, imports from overseas rose by 6 per cent over the past year. Last night the NFUS called on shops - and shoppers - to safeguard the future of farming. Mr Connon said: 'Our members are proud to produce food to some of the highest standards in the world. People need to show that those standards matter - by choosing Scottish products in their shopping baskets.' He also called for public bodies to demand Scottish produce, saying: 'From public procurement in schools and hospitals to hospitality and tourism, we need a whole-chain commitment to sourcing more from Scotland.' The union has now written to the country's eight major supermarket chains, calling for them to introduce a 'Scottish First' sourcing policy, to increase the promotion of Scottish food, and also to ensure that producers receive a fair price. Mr Connon said: 'The wider supply chain must play its part by delivering a fairer return to Scotland's primary producers, many of whom face crippling cost pressures and reduced margins.'
STV News
22-04-2025
- Business
- STV News
Should Scots pay more for locally sourced produce at supermarkets?
Do we care how much of the food we buy comes from Scotland? According to the National Farmers Union for Scotland we do. Their figures suggest more than 70% of people would prefer to buy Scottish produce and would pay more to do so. But they say that demand isn't being met by supermarkets. Over the past year the union has been monitoring how many products are labelled as Scottish, and British at 8 major retailers as part of it's Shelf Watch campaign in a bid to increase local food in our retailers and get a better deal for local producers. Andrew Connon, the union's president, said: 'We were disappointed initially that only 17% of all brands looked at had Scottish branding on it 'But there's a big difference between retailers, in how much they stock, Aldi was the clear front runner followed by Lidl's but others did show an improvement over the year. 'If we could increase this average by another 12% that would equate to £500m more for Scottish producers and the wider farming supply chain.' Shelf Watch has been one of the union's largest surveys to date and looked at more than 15 000 own brand products at more than 290 stores across Scotland. The products most often labelled as from Scottish farms? Eggs, beef and milk. It found produce like pork cheese, butter and yoghurt whilst often British, were the least likely items to be from local suppliers. Farming leaders now want to see an increase in Scottish grown produce also for clearer labelling for consumers. Andrew added: 'We need to see proper source of origin, it's often difficult for consumers to see if something is imported that needs to change.' The Scottish Retail Consortium said supermarkets are one of the biggest advocates of clear product labelling, adding: 'This report clearly demonstrates the depth of support from the retail industry for Scotland's farmers despite the enormous economic and public pressures on the industry. 'Of course, different grocers will take bespoke approaches to the profile of products they source. 'Nonetheless, the strength of the hyper-competitive grocery market is consumers can choose whether to purchase Scottish or products from further afield; and retailers will respond to that commercial onus.' Today's figures also sparked debate on how much farmers get for their products, some argue that the percentage return is simply too low. Mike Davis is an arable farmer in Aberdeenshire and said the price wouldn't have to go up much to help give growers a better deal. He explained: 'I produce milling oats for oatmeal or porridge, the return is 0.6 pence on a 30-gram bowl, and it costs £175 to grow a tonne of oats. 'Basically, it means I make no money, we break even but there's no profit and you can't do that long term. 'If we increased the return, it by even 50% which sounds like a huge margin that's only 0.03 pence, so that would put up the price up by just over a penny. 'Realistically, I don't think that's unachievable for a Scottish produced product, 1p more isn't that much of a difference that's produced to a high standard locally.' The debate on food prices and local food production is due to continue at Westminster in June as part of the Food Supply Chain Fairness Bill. In Scotland, ministers here said: 'We have committed £10 million funding over 2023–2025 to support delivery of Scotland's food and drink strategy, 'Sustaining Scotland, Supplying the World'. 'This funding facilitates a range of activities and direct engagement with grocery retailers to help increase the volume of Scottish food and drink on retail shelves, including own brand products.' Both of these programmes have been welcomed by farmers, who say they'll continue to lobby for a fairer deal. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
