Crofting has a bright future provided crofters stand together with one voice.
That was the message from the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) following its annual gathering in Applecross, Wester Ross.
“It is clear that crofting has a future – but it is something we will have to fight for,” said SCF chairman Russell Smith.
He said speakers at the association’s annual gathering had presented plenty of evidence to show that a sustainable future for rural communities, food production and the environment was dependent on small-scale holdings with a range of activities.
“Brexit doesn’t seem to have anything positive to offer Scotland but a fresh look at a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) will be a vital opportunity to find a policy that works for crofting,” added Mr Smith.
He said crofters in attendance at the gathering were all in agreement that the crofting sector needed a stand-alone policy and support programme as it did not benefit from the current ‘one size fits all’ approach in the Cap.
“Furthermore, it was felt that a Scottish policy has to focus on integrated, targeted, rural development, not continue the current bias on shoring-up industrial agriculture. All recognised that the payment regions have not worked for crofting and must go,” added Mr Smith.
“With the results of the Crofting Commission elections, we hope to see the end of the unrest within the crofting regulator. In the potentially difficult negotiations ahead, we need all crofters and commissioners to present a united voice for crofting. We look forward to working with the new commissioners to achieve this end.”
Mr Smith’s comments come in the wake of Scottish Land and Estates launching a policy paper on future rural policy and support.
The landowners’ body has called for all farming and rural organisations to get together to have a debate about the future and to agree a vision for the sector by the end of this year.