RURAL COMMUNITIES WILL SUFFER FROM MEP’s FAILURE ON FWAG (Jim Hume)

RURAL COMMUNITIES WILL SUFFER FROM MEP’s FAILURE ON FWAG

February 27, 2009 12:00 AM

Leading South of Scotland Libdem MSP, Jim Hume, and Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, has hit out and SNP MEP Alyn Smith for his silence over the failure of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to find a future funding arrangement.

Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume revealed in January 2009 that FWAG's 2008/09 budget had been cut by 30%, seven months into the financial year. The SNP Government gave no explanation for such a cut. It was later revealed that FWAG had only received £160,000 of the original £340,000 budget. FWAG was informed by the SNP Government no further payments would be made, leaving a budget shortfall of over 50%.

As a result of this, FWAG entered administration this week costing of over 30 jobs, a wealth of experience and jeopardising the delivery of the SRDP.

Jim Hume MSP said:

"On Alyn Smith's website he says it is an honour to be FWAG's Honorary President and that FWAG is a fantastic resource for farmers. Why then has he been silent over the cuts made by the Scottish Government that have ultimately led to the loss of FWAG to Scottish farming?

"The Government is entirely to blame for the loss of jobs and expertise at FWAG. The viability of FWAG would not have been necessary if Ministers had honoured their original funding commitment.

"Mr Smith should have used his position to exert some influence over his Government colleagues at Holyrood. Instead, he said nothing and his failure to do so is something that rural communities in Scotland will not easily forget.

The MSP continued:

"Ministers need to make a commitment that they will work with rural industries to find a future alternative to ensure the successful delivery of the SRDP."

ENDS