Although
the report put forward by the committee was on post-brexit implications for
agriculture and associated land use in the Highlands and Islands from May 2018,
there were concerns that had an impact on local food production and crofting in
the Western Isles.
Councillor
Gordon Murray stated: "On the report,
it states that rapid and/or large scale change can sometimes have brutal social
impacts such as loss of employment and
income which exposes individuals and
businesses to the stress and expense of seeking alternatives. Policy
interventions may be required in this case to support adjustment procedures.”
Councillor
Murray requested that a further report be brought back after consultation with
local food producers / processors / businesses / crofters to explore such
policy interventions that would avoid the brutal social impacts referred to.
Following the meeting, Councillor Murray said: “This is hugely important and we need to
be looking at the resilience of the local market. Food processing on the island
should be analysed because once livestock start being transported, crofters see
their investments, and hence returns, reduce significantly. This is a challenge but it
is also an opportunity for us to review our practices and support crop and
livestock producers to remove obstacles and this may encourage better use of
our resources in terms of land and encourage new entrants.”
