Far north MP hails farming as 'backbone of the rural economy'
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Jamie Stone has described farming as "the backbone of the rural economy" and pledged to keep campaigning for a fairer deal for agriculture.
The far north MP was speaking as farming unions held a Back British Farming Day in Westminster, the eighth annual celebration of the industry’s role in producing British food and drink.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) insists support and investment in farmers is critical to ensure food security, promote a prosperous economy, respond to the climate challenge and help biodiversity.
Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, described Wednesday's event as "a celebration of the fantastic work that British farmers and the agriculture industry do in feeding the nation, taking care of the countryside and playing a vital role in the rural economy".
He showed his support by wearing the union's wool and wheat-sheaf pin badge in the House of Commons.
"I am extremely proud to wear the badge in Westminster to show my unequivocal support for farmers across the UK," Mr Stone said. "Farming is the backbone of the rural economy and indeed the Highlands.
"I will always bang the drum for British farming and continue to campaign for a fairer deal for our farmers."
NFU Scotland was represented at Westminster by its chief executive John Davidson and its director of policy Jonnie Hall. A reception was hosted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The union is urging the UK government to progress the backing given to the industry by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at his inaugural Farm to Fork summit in Downing Street in May, at which food security concerns were seen as a priority.
The NFU’s #BuyBritishButton petition calls on supermarkets to add a "Buy Scottish" and/or a "Buy British" tab on their websites, making it easier for consumers to choose home-grown produce when doing an online grocery shop.
In a recent letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf, NFU Scotland asked the Scottish Government to ensure the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act delivers for Scottish agriculture and the wider food and drink sector through the commitment to a "Scottish first" policy for local sourcing in the National Food Plan.
Mr Davidson said: “With food and drink production across the country contributing more than £100 billion to the national economy, it is fantastic to join in a celebration where both the public and politicians recognise and value the contribution of farmers and crofters.
“As part of this celebration, we very much welcome the petition led by the NFU that seeks to stimulate more local sourcing by making it easier for the growing number of consumers who choose to do their grocery shopping online to buy local.
“Our recent letter to the First Minister, where we asked for a ‘Scottish first’ policy to be adopted, builds on our long-term asks where we want to collaborate more closely with retailers and those involved in public procurement in Scotland to further support our farmers, crofters, environment and, ultimately, our economy.”
