SNP failing to support Scottish farmers with sheep EID

4.41.58pm GMT Thu 26th Nov 2009

Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Jim Hume MSP has accused the SNP of not doing enough to help Scottish farmers with the financial burden of introducing electronic sheep tagging.

Parliamentary Questions lodged by Mr Hume have revealed that the Rural Affairs Secretary has no plans to assist farmers by making it easier to access existing funds.

Commenting, Mr Hume said:

"The introduction of electronic sheep tagging in Scotland is going to hit our farmers' pockets hard.

"The NFU have committed to helping farmers with the burden of electronic sheep tagging. The very least Ministers should do is to help farmers access existing support funds.

"Richard Lochhead's answers to my questions show that this is not happening.

"The SNP Government must do more to support Scottish farmers, they have thrown in the towel far too quickly.

"I will continue to put pressure on the Government to make sure our farmers are given all the support necessary to implement these controversial proposals."