The NFU Scotland Policy Team is monitoring the impact that the coronavirus is having on farms and the supply chain.
A Q&A has been produced and will be updated that gives you the answers to the most common questions we are receiving.
Members are reminded that information may have changed from what is written on this webpage due to the nature of the changing situation.
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Message from the NFUS President
I can reassure all members that, in these exceptional times, our commitment at NFU Scotland is that it will be business as usual as we go about our crucial job of representing the industry at every level.
We have taken the decision that Head Office staff will work from home and suspended any meetings or gatherings until further notice. That was the responsible thing to do and other organisations and events are having to make the same tough choices.
However, the business of supporting all our members’ businesses through what are proving to be some of the most turbulent times ever faced by society goes on.
Rest assured, NFUS as an organisation will still be doing all the work our members are expecting but it will be getting done in a different way.
We will continue to provide you with support and information at a local, regional or national level; we will continue to save you money through our affinity deals and services and, most importantly, we will be going about our core business of lobbying Governments at every level to secure the best operating platform for our industry. The business of NFUS goes on.
Modern technology now gives all our head office staff the ability to work from home and our head office hotline of 0131 472 4000 will continue to be manned from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Email queries can continue to be sent to info@nfus.org.uk and then forwarded on to the most appropriate member of the team.
Those who have mobile phones can now download the NFU Scotland app from Apple Store or Google Play to see all the news and views while those who can access social media can follow regular postings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date and contact us if need be.
That modern technology also provides us with the platforms to remain fully informed and engaged with other industry stakeholders and Governments. NFU Scotland is a vital cog in the Scottish Government’s Farm Sector group and all the key issues around supplies, haulage, feed, markets, abattoirs and wider food and drink chain are all being discussed with urgency and at the highest level.
We know there will be an element of self-isolation on Scottish farms and crofts with the spring work of lambing, calving, ploughing and seeding all keeping folks’ heads down. But my message is clear. Please remember that you are not alone, we are there to help and we are working hard on your behalf.
We, as a Union and as individuals, have a duty of care for each other, and this cannot be lost in these unusual and exceptional circumstances. Friends and neighbours are only a call away. Our extensive network of members, officeholders, secretaries, regional managers and the head office team are all available to you.
I urge you to please look out for one another and watch out for Government advice at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
And a reminder for those who need emotional, practical or financial support in times of need, our rural charity RSABI is there to support people in Scottish agriculture and can be contacted on 0300 111 4166
Difficult decisions and cancellations are being made on an hourly basis.
However, the technology exists to make this work, and the desire is there from everyone at NFUS to be pushing on, ensuring the best support and representation of the industry at all levels on all issues.
During these extremely difficult times we understand that some people may lose their jobs or have been asked to take unpaid leave. Large parts of the agriculture take on seasonal workers at this time of the year. These works often come to the UK from overseas. Due to movement restrictions they may not be able to come this year. We have compiled a list of farms who are looking to employ seasonal workers. If you are interested have a look at what is available. By taking one of these jobs you will be helping to ensure that the demand for fresh food can be met during these challenging times.