Highlands Green MSP wins support for small-scale farmers and rural communities
MSPs debated the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill, which enables the Scottish Government to financially support farming and other rural sectors.
Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess amended the bill to add more forms of support for rural communities. If the Bill passes into law later this year, activities that will be eligible for financial support will now include providing clean air and water and improving access to nature; starting a nature restoration business; and investing in nature-based enterprises and organisations in rural areas.
When designing the rural payment framework, Ministers will now need to consider “the benefits of a diverse and resilient agricultural sector including small producers, tenant farmers, crofters and agricultural co-operative societies”, thanks to another amendment secured by the Scottish Green MSP.
The Bill has now moved into the final stage in the Scottish Parliament. It is expected to pass the final hurdle of a full vote later this year.
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Ms Burgess said: “I am very pleased that the Rural Affairs and Islands committee voted through my amendments. They recognised the value in supporting rural communities to make the most of where they live and play a key role in the growing green economy.
“These new income streams will help rural communities to diversify their local economies and create good green jobs on the land, alongside farming, crofting and forestry.
“It’s fantastic that the Scottish Government have recognised the value of supporting small producers within farming and crofting. I have been consistently calling for better support for these key workers, who produce an outsized portion of our food and are hugely valued by local communities.
“Financial support can now be extended to those growing fruit, vegetables, potatoes, mushrooms, nuts, seeds and more, thanks to another improvement I secured.
“One-third of nature-friendly growers are at risk of going out of business due to inflation and the cost crisis. I trust that the Scottish Government will use the new powers to support small-scale growers, farmers, crofters and wider rural communities, when the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill passes into law.”
