Farm crisis 'cashing-in' claims

Farmers are paid less for lamb, while customers are charged more

Supermarkets have been accused of taking advantage of the foot-and-mouth outbreak and "short-changing" Scottish sheep farmers.

The retail price of lamb has risen since the crisis, but farmers are being paid less.

Deputy Scottish Conservative leader Murdo Fraser said he was concerned farmers would be forced out of business as a result.

He has called for supermarkets to pay a fair price for produce.

The Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife challenged retail chains to "act responsibly" to help the industry recover from foot-and-mouth.

Shelf price

He said: "It is wrong that supermarkets are taking advantage of the situation created by the foot-and-mouth crisis and short-changing our farmers.

"I do not think it is right that the supermarket shelf price for lamb has actually risen during the same period when supermarkets are paying less to our farmers.

"Many farmers tell of the pressures being placed on them and the struggle that they are facing to keep their business viable and worthwhile, especially with this latest foot-and-mouth outbreak."

Mr Murdo called for a voluntary code of practice between supermarkets and farmers, which he claimed would regulate the market and ensure farmers got a fair price for their produce.

It followed the publication of figures from the Meat and Livestock Commission.

They showed the average retail price of lamb increased by 2.2% following the outbreak, but farmers were being paid a quarter less.