Scotland-Concern over falling stock numbers.

Scotland-concerns over low stock numbers.

Commenting on the recently published census returns that show significant falls in beef cattle breeding numbers, breeding sheep numbers, breeding pig numbers and a reduction in winter ce reals sown over 2008, John Scott MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, said:

"This is further proof, if proof were needed, that the Scottish livestock industry is reducing to critically low levels, and our arable output is falling too.

"We are losing on a daily basis our strategic ability as a country to feed our growing population and governments must find ways once again of encouraging food production.

"This means government at a strategic level must find a way of returning profitability to the livestock and arable sectors here in Scotland for without adequate returns from the market in future farmers and food producers will continue to reduce production.

"Ways must be found to encourage farmers and crofters to remain in food production and also ways must be found to encourage more young entrants into a career in agriculture. The current re-evaluation of the SRDP provides such a chance and the opportunity for government to address the problem must not be lost at this critical time."