Scotland’s
farmers, crofters and growers produce output worth around £2
billion a year, and are responsible for much of Scotland’s
£400 million food exports, rising to £2.4 billion
if whisky exports are included. It is the bedrock of Scotland's
£7.4 billion food and drinks industry.
Around 70,000
people are directly employed in agriculture in Scotland –
this means that agriculture is the third largest employer in rural
Scotland after the service and public sectors. It is estimated
that a further 250,000 jobs (1 in 10 of all Scottish jobs) are
dependent on agriculture. The agri-food processing industry is
the UK's largest manufacturing sector.
Around 85%
of Scotland is classified as Less Favoured Area. This is an EU
classification which recognises natural and geographic disadvantage.
Farm Incomes
According
to the Scottish Executive figures, the average net farm income
last year was £13,100. This is significantly lower than
the average annual UK salary which is between £21,000 and
£24,000.
