Greens echo NFUS call for fair trade for Scottish farmers

A fair deal for Scottish farmers, in particular dairy farmers, is vital to securing a sustainable future for agriculture and protecting consumers' interests, Greens have said ahead of an NFUS lobby of Parliament tomorrow.

For several years now dairy farmers have struggled to survive because they are paid below the cost of production. Greens have been championing their cause, arguing that more effective regulation of supermarkets would prevent the Big Four (Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrison's, Asda) from abusing their power and squeezing prices so much that farmers end up operating at a loss.

According to the NFUS:

· 1 in 4 Scottish dairy farmers has gone out of business in the last four years;

· Scottish farmers lose 4 pence on every litre of milk they produce yet British supermarkets make approximately 10 pence profit on every litre they sell;

Shiona Baird MSP, Greens' co-leader, said, "The big supermarkets are trying to extract every last drop of profit out of farmers - regardless of the effects on local economies or to communities. The farmers need genuine commitment from the Executive to take decisive action. Rural development is devolved, enterprise is devolved, agriculture is devolved - it is time McConnell stood up for Scottish farmers.

"It is neither fair nor wise to leave farmers so vulnerable to the fierce price wars that are conducted at their expense. Milk is a basic foodstuff and production should not become controlled by a few large businesses. Fair trade for farmers would ensure that our agricultural sector is vibrant and healthy, and that consumers can buy the very best of Scottish produce."

The Competition Commission is currently conducting an inquiry into the grocery market in the light of concerns that supermarkets' ruthless practices are killing off high street shops and eating up green spaces. Greens want the supermarkets' code of practice to be strengthened and an independent ombudsman to help ensure a fair price and a fair deal for producers, pointing out that only by protecting producers can the environment and the high standard of agriculture be secured.