Viewpoint: September

This is the time of year when crofters see the result of the last twelve month's labour -- the sale season is in full swing and I'm sure every crofter is looking forward to a good pay-day. Indeed, such a thing could not be more welcome, as the memory of the devastation caused by the foot and mouth outbreak last year is still fresh in the minds of many crofters. It is all the more painful and ironic that the source of the disease was eventually traced to a government lab.

Cattle and sheep prices are certainly better this year, but it must be said, do not keep pace with the inflation bursting rises in the cost of fuel, fertilizer and grain. Crofting is certainly a roller coaster ride, and, dare I say, it often feels as though we're stumbling from one crisis to another...

I wonder what the bodachs would have made of it - double tags now replace the ear tags that were once the topic of conversation in many a ceilidh house. And, with talk of electronic identification (EID) and bar code readers for sheep to be introduced shortly, it seems as though matters are continually becoming more complicated for crofters and farmers.

However, the Scottish industry is still fighting against the introduction of electronic identification along with our French and Irish counterparts. It is hoped that the European Parliament will drop the requirement for EID to be made compulsory for the Scottish sheep flock, as the present system in operation is quite robust.

In a similar vein, we now learn that Scotland will press the button for compulsory vaccination against Bluetongue disease on the 1st November 2008. Again, the procedure involved in vaccination is quite complicated and involves filling out various forms in order to advise the local vet of the number of animals being vaccinated. It should be noted that the Scottish Crofting Foundation will advise individuals, as time lapses, about the procedures involved in the vaccination process.

This month I attended a local food event, which, with an array of dedicated speakers all espousing the use of local food, proved to be very heartening. In addition to the speeches, workshops were held on topics including 'Selling to the local authority and Health Board'. This was a particularly interesting subject, as at present there is a pilot scheme in operation, where local meat and horticultural produce is supplied to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Thus far, the omens are very encouraging. The producer groups represented at this event are all very busy serving a local supermarket and internet site, as well as several street markets. It should also be noted that the food at this event was all produced locally, and was very excellent indeed.

Barra will be the place to be from Monday 6th October when the Scottish Crofting Foundation holds their annual conference, headed 'Crofting - Delivering the Goods'. Among the events on the programme is the launch of the Scottish Crofting Produce Mark. This mark will signify that a product has been manufactured on a croft, or similar small agricultural holding, in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; that the producer is a member of the Scottish Crofting Foundation, and meets certain laid-down standards of quality, animal health and welfare, hygiene and total traceability. This will allow crofters to attach the Crofting Mark label to their stationery or produce, whether it is weaving, woodwork, horticulture, tourism, meat production, or any other crofting enterprise. The SCF's exercises with marketing experts over the last two years give us encouragement that this mark will enhance the value of products that require more and more traceability.

Some of the highlights of this year's SCF conference are:

Tuesday 7th October 2008 -- Launch of the 'Scottish Crofting Produce Mark'

Wednesday 8th October 2008 -- Mark Shucksmith: 'The Inquiry -- A Short Background' Address by the Minister for Crofting - Michael Russell MSP

The findings of the inquiry in to crofting conducted by Mark Shucksmith is likely to be a contentious point for discussion at this year's SCF conference. The SCF has conveyed its member's findings on the Shucksmith report to Michael Russell MSP (Environment minister). They have showed no appetite for some of the recommendations of the report and point-by-point this has been reinforced to the minister. I, however, remain convinced that the enquiry has been very useful in stimulating debate on crofting. If the political will is there, we can ensure the continuation of a vibrant lifestyle that will arrest depopulation and attract younger folk to our rural communities.

Over the coming months on this posting I will keep you informed on different crofting issues, including details of the latest sales and prices, current events, and the people who make crofting tick...