Next few years 'critical': Sheep industry to focus on growing domestic market

Up to 40% of UK lamb production is exported each year, with 96% of that going into the EU single market
Up to 40% of UK lamb production is exported each year, with 96% of that going into the EU single market

The next two years are 'critical' for the Scottish sheep industry, outgoing chair of the National Sheep Association has said as she urged more people to eat lamb.

Sybil MacPherson attended an annual meeting of the group where she stressed the importance of the sheep industry keeping in close contact with politicians in order to ensure a good outcome from post-Brexit negotiations.

Up to 40% of UK lamb production is exported each year, with 96% of that going into the EU single market.

Mrs MacPherson, who featured on the popular This Farming Life television programme, said the focus for her successor would also be sorting out the 'shocking situation' with late farm payments.

She also highlighted recent export trade data which was positive but not certain to continue in the future.

'Turning away from big aspirations'

In a meeting with Scottish rural affairs minister Fergus Ewing, she said she hoped her successor would be hosting the visit after sending an invitation, she said: "It's really important that he gets out and discovers what sheep farming does."

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker recently said: "Despite calls that we want Britain to be a major global player, our sheep industry may need to consider turning away from such big aspirations and focus far more on growing and protecting our domestic UK market. That's not the current model and would require substantial restructuring."

George Milne, the NSA development officer, said: "We need to make a start because there is a whole load of work to do."

Aberdeenshire farmer John Fyall was yesterday elected chairman of the Scottish branch of the NSA.

The former north chairman for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs said in his speech: "The chance to be involved for the next two years is one I couldn't resist because I want to make sure there's somewhere for me to farm in the next 20 years."