Politicians told about farmers' top concerns at Turriff Show
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AT the 2023 Turriff Show, politicians heard straight from farmers what their biggest issues were.
Questions asked at the event included the future of bracken control and the loss of Asulox herbicide and ongoing conflict overs SSEN 400kv lines from Tealing to Kintore and Peterhead to Beauly.
As well, during the NFUS event, politicians were asked to commit to multiannual funding after 2024 from both the Scottish and UK Governments, while keeping 80 per cent of future funding as direct support.
A lack of progress on seed potatoes was also queried, as the industry is still hamstrung in exporting them.
Missing seasonal workers after Brexit was also singled out as a key issue.
On energy, NFUS members asked why farmers have not been given additional energy support as many are hit with difficult financial situations.
In a powerful moment, the panel were handed first-hand pictures of scenes left bloody after a badget attack.
This linked with a question on how geese, badgers, beavers, capercaillie and birds of prey will be controlled going forward.
Also in the sights of the present members were apparently "conflicting policies", such as pressures for increased food production, increased tree production, affordable housing, rewilding, Habitat and standalone biodiversity targets and Peatland restoration, all at the same time.
Gillian Martin MSP (SNP, Aberdeenshire East), Richard Thompson MP (SNP, Gordon), Karen Adam MSP (SNP, Banffshire and Buchan Coast), Tess White MSP (Conservative, North East Scotland).
Alongside the politicians were Jim Savege, Aberdeenshire Council chief executive, and Aberdeenshire Council leader Gillian Owen, who mostly listened to proceedings.
David Duguid was not able to attend due to the Prime Minister's opening of the Acorn carbon capture project at St Fergus on the same day.
North east regional manager at NFUS Lorna Paterson said: "Sadly, there wasn't such a strong input from the Liberal Democrat leader, because he was sadly called away to help with family matters, and so he wasn't there which was a pity.
"There was nobody from Labour and there was nobody from the Greens, and that's a pity.
"And there was only one person from the Conservative Party, because their leader Rishi Sunak is over in Peterhead.
"That is all completely understandable, it is just a clash. These things happen.
"But nevertheless, I think they had a good debate.
"We've got most of our points across which we were trying to put across.
"And, as one person said at the end: 'Please can have some action? Can we have some activity?'
"And I think that would be the message I would give them all."
Mr Thompson said: "Well, it always a lively event, the Turra' Show.
"And there is always a good, robust exchange of views and no government ever gets off completely unscathed in the discussions that go on.
"But I think it's quite clear there are major concerns today about energy policy, about the way that Brexit is being handled.
"About the impact on farming, the threat from trade deals.
"And that was what all shone through, and that is responsibilities which are at the door of the UK government.
"And they are certainly things that I've been seeking to influence as a member of the UK Parliament for the Gordon constituency for the SNP.
"We know that there are big issues that need to be resolved in those areas.
"But I've always tried to work in a pragmatic space as well, as point out the bigger picture issues.
"So hopefully politicians today with a sense of what is importantto the north east agricultural community.
"More broadly about the show, I think it is a great event bringing town and country together.
"It helps to bridge that gap and helps people to understand the vitality of the rural economy in the north east.
"And it's a fantastic day out for the whole family.
"Now that my duties are done here, I'm looking forward to going around with my own girls to see what's what at this year's show.
"You know, I'm from a farming background myself and understand the damage that predators can do to livestock and to dogs.
"And I am not particularly sentimental towards towards the creatures that cause that damage.
"But nevertheless, there is a balance that needs to be struck with the biodiversity that is important to all of us.
"And it's important that we get that balance right.
"That's why it's important to hear the authentic voice of rural Scotland beside the some of the more amplified concerns we sometimes get to hear in the course of our duties.
"So that's why events like this are so valuable.
"To make sure that legislators and policymakers hear those arguments for themselves, made by those most directly affected."
Ms White said: "It was a really good meeting, you know?
"The key point is that we produce 60 per cent of our our food locally in the UK, and that has been the same for 20 years.
"We heard from the farmers, that we are at a 'tipping point', because land use is very, very much under threat.
"And we had feedback on the consultation from SSEN on building big substations on prime arable barley land.
"We got feedback on the threat from badgers and how badgers are not being controlled properly.
"And a key point I made, and it was a major embarrassment for my SNP colleagues, that this coalition of chaos with the Greens are not putting the rural economy at the heart of their agenda.
"And I think those are two key issues.
"We've got a cost-of-living crisis and a crisis for farmers.
"And the balance of power is the wrong way.
"Hopefully today my SNP colleagues will actually take note and start to have more power and control and not let Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater control the agenda in Scotland.
And, about being the only Conservative involved in the discussion, she said: "They call me the pocket battleship.
"I am here and hopefully I hit well above my weight and I feel passionately about the rural economy.
"David wasn't here, he is with the Prime Minister today and that's to celebrate something major for the north east.
"And for the energy industry, my background is from the energy industry.
"And this carbon capture and storage investment is massive for the Northeast.
"It could create 50,000 jobs.
"But I'm here. So, I spoke on our behalf."
