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MSP WARNS AGAINST COMPLACENCY IN RESPONSE TO FARMING INCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT

Nanette Milne, Conservative MSP for Northeast Scotland today welcomed the figures published by the Executive, which forecast a rise in Total Income for Farming for 2003/04. However, she went on to warn:

“While at last incomes are beginning to reach a more realistic level, it still has to be pointed out that where average farming incomes are £17,000, for every farm with an income of £25,000, there is one with an income of £9,000.

“Many Northeast farmers are surviving on what is barely a living wage. Although many will have seen a slight improvement in their bottom line, their position is still precarious

“It is not a picture which allows for any complacency and considerable improvements still need to be made in the overall position before Northeast farmers can be assured of their future.”