FARMERS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO CARRY DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY ON CLIMATE CHANGE – WHITEFORD

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and Euro-MP Ian Hudghton were in Brussels today for a meeting at the European Parliament on climate change and food policy.
Commenting afterwards, Ian Hudghton MEP said:

“Scottish farmers are already doing a lot to tackle climate change, and farming livestock in sustainable ways. Europe already has the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare in the world, and Scotch beef and lamb are renowned for their high quality.

"Sizable areas of land where sheep and cattle are grazed are simply not suitable for arable cultivation. Such grazing land is also a 'carbon sink'; grazing animals is a sustainable way to manage it. That needs to be acknowledged when the environmental impact is being assessed.”

Eilidh Whiteford, SNP Westminster Candidate for Banff & Buchan, who also attended the session, said:

“Everyone has a part to play in reducing damaging carbon emissions and we must not expect Scottish farmers, who are custodians of our rural environment and already making huge strides in tackling climate change, to carry a disproportionate level of responsibility.

“All of us can make a difference by using less, reusing more, recycling where possible, and being conscientious in how we use energy and other resources. Those who enjoy prime quality Scottish meat as part of a balanced diet should continue to tuck in with a clear conscience."