Emergency funding boost for North East farmers
A North East pig farmer is welcoming emergency financial support from the Scottish Government.
It's after a Covid outbreak at one of the country's biggest pork processing plants led to it's temporary closure and exports to China being halted.
715-thousand-pounds is being set aside for businesses impacted - which Huntly farmer Andy McGowan says is a boost.
He said : "The financial impact in total is probably running in the region of 1 point 5 to 2 million pounds so far and we've probably not reached the end of that yet. But certainly we appreciate the Scottish Government contribution's going to be a big help".
40 cases of Covid were identified at the Quality Pork Processors in Brechin in January.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “I am keenly aware of the financial impact that the site closure had on pig producers, particularly in relation to reduced pork exports. I have listened to the sector’s urgent request for help in this specific and difficult circumstance. “Therefore I made the decision to act now, in advance of the resolution of all issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak on site, in order to provide much-needed hardship support to affected pig farmers."
It comes after Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during FMQs for assurances farmers in her constituency would be supported. It is understood the loss of certificates to export to China has resulted in a drop in price of carcasses while the temporary closure has also resulted in a backlog of pigs to be processed with huge financial loss on farmers as a result.
During FMQs, Ms Martin said: “Pig farmers in my constituency have been adversely impacted by the aftermath of the temporary closure of the abattoir at Brechin because of a Covid outbreak. “They are facing severe disruption due to the suspension of certificates to export to China, and a backlog in sending pigs to slaughter leading to increased costs and capacity issues. “Can the First Minister advise what assistance the Scottish Government can offer these businesses?”