Agriculture is an important sector of the Scottish economy. The vast majority of land in Scotland is under agricultural production and the sector is responsible for much of Scotland's food exports.
In rural areas the industry creates many economic, environmental and social benefits, with a large number of people directly employed in agricultural activities.
The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is a programme of economic, environmental and social measures, worth some £1.5 billion, designed to develop rural Scotland over the next few years, to 2013.
Wage Increase for Agricultural Workers
An increase to the minimum hourly rate of pay has been introduced for agricultural apprentices by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.
Agricultural workers will also receive an increased hourly rate from October 1 this year.
Read the full story for details of the pay award