Shadow rural affairs secretary Tim Eagle says he was 'delighted' to host young people from across Scotland, who are seeking to embark on careers in agritourism.
The Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP welcomed the delegation to the Scottish Parliament last week and was joined by many of his party colleagues.
Many young people and the industry shared their concerns about the 'deeply damaging' impact of Labour’s Budget, including the introduction of a 'Family Farm Tax'.
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Tim says he is concerned that this will hamper the ability of many young people to move into the industry or to carry on the legacy of their family farm.
He added that the agritourism industry is one that has 'enormous potential' across Scotland and that both Labour and the SNP should be supporting them as much as possible, rather than 'neglecting their needs'.
Tim says it is crucial that young people who are keen to get into the industry know that it is a viable option to do so and that he will continue to engage with them.
“Coming just a day after Labour’s Budget, they had clear concerns over the deeply damaging impact of many of Labour’s plans, including their Family Farm Tax.
“That puts the future of family farming at risk and is the last thing young people need to hear.
“Agritourism is a sector that has enormous potential across Scotland. As we continue to modernise agriculture, it is one that both the Labour and SNP governments should be doing their utmost to support.
“Instead, they are often neglecting their needs and leaving them feeling abandoned.
“It is crucial that young people such as the ones that my colleagues and I spoke with feel that this is a sector that will give them a viable future. I will continue to engage with them and push for the agritourism sector to receive the support it deserves.”
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