Ahead of speaking at NFU Scotland’s National Conference, Finnish farmer and lobbyist Max Schulman, stressed the importance of involving farmers in agricultural policy-making. Teasing what delegates can expect from his speech, Mr Schulman warned of a widening gap between lawmakers and farmers in his pre-conference guest blog.
He writes: “Through decades of experience in farming, trading, investments and policy from around the world, one thing has become abundantly clear; farmers are absolutely integral to agricultural policy discussions.
“As a lifelong advocate for farmers, I’ve spent over 17 years lobbying in Brussels, working with the Finnish Farmers Union and advocating for the agricultural sector across Europe. I’ve travelled to all parts of the globe, aside from the north pole, and learned from top industry experts all while managing my own farm in Southern Finland.
“While I know, and all of us know, we as farmers are the specialists of the land and food production, I am becoming increasingly concerned that the voices of farmers are being sidelined in agricultural policy discussions.
“Here in the European Union (EU), agriculture has slowly been pushed aside in favour of environmental policies over the last few years. Yes, the environmental impact of farming is an issue that must be taken seriously, but I believe that food production should never take a backseat. Policies that focus only on environmental concerns without considering the broader picture of food production are bound to create more problems than they solve.
“One of the most pressing examples of this is the EU’s green policies. While environmental protection is crucial, the regulations often seem to undermine the ability of farmers to do what they do best: produce food. The rise of green regulations has made farming more complicated, and in some cases, even less profitable. We need solutions that work for both farmers and the environment, not just one or the other.
“After inheriting my family farm in 1986, I have seen the world of agriculture change and develop over several decades. Now, my farm focusses mostly on crops, but I also reared cattle until the early 2000s. I am passionate about maintaining my farm and allow my three sons to take it over when the time comes. While there is so much the next generation has to offer our businesses, and vice versa, we must make farming an attractive pursuit if they are to be convinced to carry on the tradition.
“When financial rewards are uncertain, it’s no wonder we see so many of the next generation steering away from their family’s agricultural business. We need to make sure they see farming as a sustainable and rewarding career. This means making it easier for them to get started and ensuring that policies don’t make farming more difficult or less profitable.
“However ultimately, it’s not just about attracting young people to the farm, it’s also about creating policies that allow all farmers to succeed. After all, without farmers, there is no food.
“For those attending NFU Scotland’s conference on Thursday, 6 February, I hope this is an opportunity for you to voice the concerns that are relevant today. Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear in the decisions that shape our industry’s future.”
Notes to editors:
- For the last 18 years, Max Schulman has been working in the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) as the Senior Advisor for cereals, oilseeds, and protein crops. He was previously Chairman of the Cereals Working Group in Copa-Cogeca, based in Brussels. He is also a member of the EU Arable Crops Market Observatory and 2018-20 Chairman of the Civil Dialogue Group, Arable Crops. A full biography is available on request.
- NFU Scotland’s National Conference will take place on Thursday 6 February and Friday 6 February 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
- Mr Schulman is expected to address delegates on the first day of the conference, Thursday 6 February.
- Image of Max Schulman is attached.