Government must defend North East pig industry - McInnes

12.00.00am GMT Thu 17th Jan 2008

North East MSP Alison McInnes has backed calls for the Scottish Government to support the regional pig industry in the light of the autumn foot-and-mouth outbreaks.

After signing a motion submitted by Liberal Democrat colleague Jamie Stone, McInnes said "Despite avoiding an outbreak of the disease, North East farmers have nevertheless paid a huge price for the foot-and-mouth outbreak."

In November McInnes met with Martin McDonald, Manager of Grampian Country Pork Farms in Turriff, to discuss the impact of the disease, which prompted her to write to the Minister for Agriculture Richard Lochhead. She has received no reply to her letter of 21 November.

Reflecting on this McInnes said "Foot-and-mouth led to movement restrictions, an export ban with dramatically increased competition, vast veterinary costs, and increased feed costs with stock being retained longer than usual. Whilst it may not be a big deal for the SNP, it's a big deal for Scottish food producers and an effective support package is overdue."