Agricultural Link with Crofting Vital, Says NFUS
01/08/07

NFU Scotland has highlighted the following issues in its submission to the Committee of Inquiry into Crofting:

• It is essential that the principal use of crofts should continue to be agricultural;
• Agriculture generates significant amounts of spending within rural communities and it is therefore vital that this link with crofting is retained;
• With many differences between crofting counties, not all issues may be addressed by a single solution and it is appropriate to have different solutions in different parts of the country.

The Committee of Inquiry, which was established in April this year, is tasked with developing a vision for Scotland’s crofting future, taking into account how to sustain and enhance the population, improve economic vitality, safeguard landscape and biodiversity and sustain cultural diversity. The Committee have said it is vital that they hear from as many people as possible who have an interest in crofting, either as crofters or as members of the local community.

In the light of their conclusions, the Committee will be invited to identify administrative and/or legislative changes needed to secure a healthy outlook for crofting.

NFUS Crofting and Highland and Island Committee Chairwoman, Jo Durno says:

“It is so important that our crofter members have been given the opportunity to inform the Committee's conclusions on the current state of crofting and the potential for its sustainability in the future.

“I look forward to publication of the draft proposals in the autumn and the next stage of the consultation.”

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