CAP reform must reflect island priorities – McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that the interests of island farmers are fully reflected in the negotiations over reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Speaking in a debate on CAP reform in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday afternoon, Mr McArthur pressed the agriculture secretary, Richard Lochhead, to back proposals for specific support to be targeted at Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC).

Following the debate, Mr McArthur said: “Orkney remains heavily dependent on farming and changes to the Common Agricultural Policy are likely to have a significant effect.

“The move towards payments based on area will inevitably reduce the amount of money coming into the islands.  That is why it is critical that Orkney is able to benefit from funding targeted at Areas of Natural Constraint.

“In his negotiations with UK counterparts and in Brussels, the Agriculture Secretary must reflect the interests of Scotland’s islands, particularly those such as Orkney, that deliver so much of the government’s own food and drink strategy.  That is why it is so important that Mr Lochhead makes support for ANCs a key plank in his negotiating strategy over the coming months”.