Meeting of the Parliament 23 September 2015
It is really disappointing that the current consultation on the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board does not allow for the status quo. All the options would water down the board’s role. They range from total abolition to a power grab by the Scottish Government, and we have seen how those worked out in the past.
We need only look at England to see that the options will have a detrimental impact. Almost half the workers who were previously covered by the equivalent board there have not had a wage rise since its abolition, and those who have received a wage rise have received much less than the average increases for the country. It would be revealing if the Scottish National Party Government were to follow the actions of a Conservative Government in England.
Agriculture is dispersed and collective bargaining is not an option, given the multiple employers, so the board provides much-needed protection for workers. I firmly believe that it should be retained and, indeed, have its role enhanced. There is an opportunity for the board to take on the role of promoting safety in the industry. Sadly, we know that the sector has some of the most dangerous workplaces in Scotland and, for too long, we appear to have accepted that. The board should be tasked with enhancing safety in the agriculture industry.
As members have said, marketing must play a part in agriculture in Scotland. In the Highlands and Islands, we have premium products rather than mass-produced commodities. Assistance must be given to market those products and have them used locally. This summer, I saw the plans for the Portree microslaughterhouse, which will enable producers to slaughter animals locally to sell to hotels and restaurants and will allow people to access local produce close to home.
For too long, crofters in the Highlands have been at the bottom of the production ladder and had their profits squeezed by a long supply chain between farm and plate. Shortening that chain would allow the primary producer to retain a larger share of the profit. Given the shape of the industry, there needs to be co-ordination and effort, which the Government needs to take a lead on. Crofters and farmers in my region need more than warm words from the cabinet secretary—they need commitment and action.
15:29