Scottish sheep producers call on government to come clean

NSA Scotland and The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have joined their voices in calling on the UK Government to give more clarity to the Scottish sheep industry in the event of failure to reach an agreement with Europe on trading terms. “The tups are going out“, said Jen Craig, NSA Scotland’s chair, “and there is still no plan being put forward by the UK Government on what will be done to support sheep producers should there be no deal, or an inadequate deal, struck with Europe.” Around 90% of the UK’s lamb goes to Europe. Referring to comments on the Andrew Marr show, given by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, she added, “For a Government minister to suggest on national television that our mixed farmers could diversify into beef in the event of the lamb price crashing is, quite frankly, a laughable response.” 

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Scotch Lamb for St Andrews Day!

Make sure you dont miss out on one of the most versatile, healthy and sustainably produced meats for St Andrew's Day (30 November 2020)

Choose Scotch Lamb for Love Lamb Week!

Love Lamb Week 2020

1st - 7th September, make sure you don't miss out on the highlights of such a versatile, delicious meat that is produced in harmony with the environment in Scotland. This year’s campaign, the sixth to take place since its launch back in 2015 aims to really open the consumers eyes to the sustainable nature in which lamb is produced and the nutritional benefits it offers.

NSA Scotland seeks evidence and views on the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

You may have recently seen that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill introduced by Emma Harper MSP on 14th May 2020 has been progressing through Scottish Parliament. The Bill and the accompanying documents can be found here. It seeks to strengthen and update the law on livestock worrying, in the main, by amending the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

NSA Scotland is actively seeking evidence and your views on the Bill which amends the existing law on what is called “livestock worrying”, whereby a dog chases, attacks or kills farmed animals to present to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee. 
 

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Formation of NSA Scotland Regional Advisory Groups 2020

At the most recent NSA Scotland Committee meeting, the subject of member engagement and current matters affecting the industry arose. In conclusion it was decided that the opportunity to form regional advisory groups would be offered to NSA Scotland members.

In such tumultuous and uncertain times, it is increasingly important your voice and opinions are heard and as such we feel this would be a way of ensuring current matters can be dealt with in an efficient manner. The intention would be for these regional advisory groups to meet a few times a year to discuss sheep issues that particularly affect your area whereby the points raised would be then put to Scottish Government or any other body involved in the industry. In the outset these meetings would take place on an online platform such as Zoom where video and telephone conferencing facilities are enabled and, in the future, to meet in person at least once a year.

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Scot Gov: New powers over CAP - Agriculture (Retained EU Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill

Legislation which allows the Common Agricultural Policy to be simplified and improved post-Brexit has passed Stage 1, following a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

The Agriculture (Retained EU Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill creates powers to enable Scottish Ministers to ensure CAP schemes can continue beyond this year and also modify retained EU Law in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy.

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