But some matters, such as future support regimes, are outside the control of farmers, and so any forward strategy for this sector must include an analysis of all of the issues facing the industry, an understanding of ways to improve the situation and an indication of the role all concerned, including the public sector, will play in delivering change. Government cannot protect the fortunes of individual businesses. The Executive will continue to provide that assistance. Indeed, a great deal of good work is already underway to tackle existing problems. Examples of action being taken by individual farmers, their various representative organisations and public sector bodies are listed in Annex C, but a number of fundamental issues also need to be addressed.
Some farmers look to be more successful than others.
It is crucial that a strategy for the future identifies opportunities for success as well as how to tackle current weaknesses. There has been a tendency in the recent past to view our rural areas and the industries based there as belonging to an old world and insufficiently modern. This is an approach which the Executive totally rejects. Scotland's rural areas are one of its key strengths. We must build on these strengths and realise their potential.