Scotland’s largest farmer, grower and crofter membership organisation, NFU Scotland, is set to grow next week as it visits over 150 potential members the length and breadth of the country’s mainland and islands. Following last year’s highly successful ‘recruitment day’ – in which over 100 members joined - over 60 of the union’s members, group secretaries and staff will visit farmers, growers and crofters to highlight to them the great advantages of becoming part of the organisation.
NFUS, which approaches its centenary in 2013, has carved out an enviable reputation as a respected voice which influences the environment within which farm-based businesses operate.
Over 8,500 Scottish farmers, growers and crofters already draw on – and contribute to – NFU Scotland’s strengths. Members of NFUS gain from the union’s skills in representation, a strong web of local support and access to an enviable range of specialist information and support.
Speaking ahead of the five-day membership mission, NFUS President Nigel Miller said:
“In 2013, NFU Scotland will celebrate its centenary marking 100 years of service to Scottish farmers, growers and crofters. In the past 100 years, the Scottish agricultural industry has experienced some real highs and lows, and I am more optimistic than ever about the future for farming and food production.
“Central to our industry’s success and stability is the outcome of reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy, and NFUS remains at the forefront of negotiations in striking the right deal for Scottish farming from CAP reform.
“Our representations are taken seriously because of our credibility in representing the views of the whole farming community across all sectors. Those views represent both the new and the established generation of farmers, growers and crofters.
“Undoubtedly there are huge hurdles ahead, including climate change, maintaining targeted LFA support, the fight for the introduction of a proportionate penalty system and reducing red tape. We also want to shape the legislation that will introduce an adjudicator for our supermarkets and deliver more sustainable and balanced supply chains across all our sectors.
“Whilst it’s important for NFUS to look at the bigger picture, we are also very aware that each member will face their own individual battles. NFUS is stronger than ever in helping individual members tackle the day to day issues they may face, whether that is information and guidance or assistance with inspections and appeals.
“NFUS is uniquely placed to make a difference to farmers, growers, crofters and their businesses. There is no doubt that there is strength in numbers and, confident of that message, I look forward to joining NFUS members, office bearers and staff next week in building up our membership.”
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Contact Sarah Anderson on 0131 472 4108