NFU Scotland is to use its regular slot at next week’s AgriScot event (Wednesday 16 November) to drive discussion with the membership on the priorities for Scottish farming in the challenging times ahead.

The Union’s annual seminar will, this year, see President Allan Bowie and Vice Presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will each map out existing work streams for the Union across the wide range of sectors and policy areas in which NFUS is engaged.

Most importantly, the floor will then be opened to the membership for their views on what needs to be tackled now, and what the Union’s priorities should be as we move into a post-Brexit era.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said: “There will not have been a more important time for NFUS in its 103 years and this seminar provides a platform to ensure we put the things that matter most to our members at the top of our priorities.

“The landmark vote to leave the European Union means there is hugely challenging work to be done.  That workload is likely to span over several years and require a significant amount of resources but it must ultimately secure the best deal for Scotland’s farmers and crofters from Brexit and put in place a post-EU strategy for our farming, food and drink sectors that drives profitability into all businesses.

“Although our seminar slot has traditionally had a political focus and featured several politicians over the years, circumstances allow us the opportunity to re-jig the format.

“Given that this is an election year for NFUS, it is right that we give our existing Presidential team the opportunity to engage with members as they firm up on their plans on whether to stand again for our top positions.

“Beyond Brexit, the challenges the Union and its membership face in the future are considerable and include land reform, agricultural holdings legislation, flood management, carbon emission reductions for farming, planning rules for farm buildings and developments, plant and animal disease measures, securing changes to Greening, the proposed shift from Less Favoured Areas to Areas of Natural Constraint, species management and reintroductions, succession, new entrants and much, much more.

“The list grows daily and only an organisation like NFUS has the strength to tackle these head on. But receiving a clear steer from our membership at AgriScot will let us know what may need to be added to the list and what needs to be put to the top.

“The change in format for this year will allow us and our officeholder team ensure we are firmly focussed on the needs of our members, so that we can negotiate a successful future for our industry.”

Notes to editors

• AgriScot, Scotland’s largest winter farm business event, will be held at Ingliston, near Edinburgh on Wednesday 16 November.  More details and a full programme can be found at: http://agriscot.co.uk/
• NFU Scotland’s seminar looking at the future for Scottish farming and crofting will be held in the Upper Foyer from 11am until 11.50am.  The Union’s President Allan Bowie and Vice Presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will give short presentations before opening the debate to questions. Media are invited to attend.  Further details from media@nfus.org.uk
• Officeholders and staff will also be available on the NFU Scotland/NFU Mutual stand – Number 38 in the Highland Hall – throughout the event.

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006