FIFE politicians were able to plough through issues affecting the farming industry at a visit to a Kelty farm last week.

The trip to Thomson's Family Farm was organised by the local National Farmer's Union branch and MPs and MSPs from different parties toured the site and chatted to local farmers.

Philip Daughtrey, NFU branch secretary for West Fife and Kinross, said the visit was organised so they could highlight key issues affecting the industry to the politicians.

"It was very useful," he said. "It was nice to spend time addressing our concerns and hearing what they had to say and how we can help them represent farming."

Dunfermline MP Douglas Chapman said there was "no doubt" that the sector was going through a tough period.

"Some of the issues highlighted include rising feed and fuel costs, staff shortages, and what farmers regard as unfair criticism regarding climate change," he explained.

“Given all these pressures, it’s remarkable that our farmers in Fife and further afield continue to supply us with top-quality produce without fail.

“I think the key message from Tuesday’s visit is that this is a partnership between our farmers, the government and us, as consumers.

“There has never been a better time to buy local and support Scottish beef, lamb, fruit and vegetable produce wherever you can.”

Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing was pleased to see first hand the "significant work" going on.

“Agriculture isn’t just a business to most farmers, they see themselves as the stewards of the land and take that responsibility very seriously indeed," she added.

“Farmers have a key role to play in these very challenging times with food security such an important issue and I very much support calls for government and government agencies to work in partnership with farmers.

“It was very pleasing to see the numerous measures that have been put in place to help with climate change targets, such an important aspect of agriculture today.

“Many thanks to Thomson family for hosting our visit and to West Fife and Kinross Branch NFUS for arranging the event. I have given them a pledge that I will work with the farming community to help secure a sustainable future.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley said it was clear that farmers need clarity from the Scottish Government on future funding that replaces European funding to allow for better planning.

“There is no doubt that Brexit continues to be a threat with possible trade deals that allows imports that do not meet the high standards in place here in Scotland," he said. "We must also ensue that farmers are at the heart of setting farming policy and not an afterthought as is sometimes the case.

“Food security is becoming an increasing concern in this country and across the world and we should be working with farmers to build a strong and healthy future for agriculture in this country.”