Stevenson Backs Local Farmers in Wake of Foot and Mouth Outbreak

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson today pledged his full backing to local farmers in Banff & Buchan in the wake of the recent re-emergence of Foot and Mouth disease in Surrey, England. The Scottish livestock industry had only just got back on its feet from the summer outbreak before last week’s blow.

Commenting Mr. Stevenson said;

“The Scottish livestock industry has been left reeling since last week’s re-emergence of Foot and Mouth in Surrey. I am fully committed to supporting the farmers of Banff & Buchan in order that the impact of this latest outbreak can be minimised as much as is possible in the circumstances.

“This second outbreak in a matter of weeks is very serious news indeed for the industry as many of my constituents, as with farmers across Scotland, have been forced to cope with a significant backlog of work as a result of the summer outbreak. It is of immense importance that this second outbreak does not ruin the livelihoods of those involved in the agricultural industry.

“Since speaking to local farmers I have been, and will continue to be, in direct contact with the Secretary for Rural Affairs in order that he can be kept up to date with the concerns of those impacted on the ground.

“Richard Lochhead’s approach in dealing with the summer outbreak was fast and effective, and showed a willingness to make tough and pragmatic decisions in the best interest of the Scottish livestock industry. The next few weeks will be a critical period as we wait for developments, but I am hopeful that Banff & Buchan’s farmers will be impacted as little as possible.”