LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Glenrothes by-election hopeful Harry Wills has pledged his support to Fife farmers during the economic crisis.

Mr Wills met representatives of the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS) to discuss measures to ease the pressure on the region’s farmers.

He was joined by Jim Hume MSP, Lib Dem environment, rural affairs and energy spokesman, and Elspeth Attwooll MEP in meeting Allan Bowie, chairman of the East Central Regional Board of the NFU in Scotland.

Mr Wills highlighted the Lib Dems’ record on farming and noted that the party supported the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, which helps areas with natural or geographic disadvantages.

After the meeting he said, “When we think about the credit crunch we think of city bankers in London but we cannot neglect the effect that the current economic climate is having on Scottish farmers.

“Feed, fuel and fertiliser prices are rising as grain and livestock prices fall.

“Farmers in Fife are suffering from a famine of resources and the Scottish Government is doing nothing to alleviate the hardships faced by the farming sector.

“The Liberal Democrats are on the side of Fife farmers and with the NFU we will continue to fight for their interests.”

Around 67,000 people are directly employed in agriculture in Scotland—8% of the rural workforce.

A further 250,000 jobs are dependent on agriculture.