Union’s New Gen group and SAYFC to host regional meetings

NFU Scotland’s New Generation group has joined forces with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) Agri-affairs committee to make sure that the voice of the next generation is heard during the current round of CAP and rural development reform and beyond.  

They have arranged a series of joint meetings around the country to give the new generation of farmers and SAYFC members an update on policies that could affect their business in the future and give them an opportunity to shape future policies based on their requirements.  

Chairman of NFU Scotland’s New Generation Group, Iain Mackay said:

“These meetings couldn’t be better timed.  CAP Reform discussions are expected to be concluded at the end of June and the debate around how those proposals are implemented at a Scottish level will begin in earnest.  

“We need to ensure that new direct support arrangements cater for those currently excluded from SFP but also aid new entrants to our sector in the future.  The Scottish Government consultation on the next Scottish Rural Development programme is also underway and the New Generation group and the SAYFC’s agri-affairs committee want to be proactive in developing rural development policies that will underpin the profitability of their businesses going forward.

“The group, accompanied by SAYFC representatives, are fresh from a study trip to Wales, where we visited Welsh farmers who had benefited from the Welsh Assembly Young Farmers Scheme.  The trip provided inspiration for how similar mechanisms could be put in place in Scotland to support new entrants and young farmers and we want views on how they could work here.

Chairman of SAYFC’s Agri-Affairs Committee, Scott Somerville added:

“There is a growing recognition amongst policymakers that the views of those who see their future in our industry do matter.  At these meetings, there will be the opportunity to hear the latest on CAP reform and SRDP but, more importantly, it will be open to those around the table to air their views and give their thoughts on how this will affect them.

“At these meetings, not only will we discuss future-proofing support schemes, but we can examine the Scottish Government’s £2 million package for new entrants and the support also available under the Scottish Government’s £6 million weather aid scheme and how that may benefit new and existing businesses.

“These are exciting times in Scottish food and farming and we want to ensure the future of our sector has their say.”  

Notes to Editors

• The dates of NFU Scotland New Generation/SAYFC Agri-Affairs meetings are as follows:

-    Tuesday 4th June – Castle Douglas - Douglas Arms Hotel - 7.30pm
-    Tuesday 11th June - Stirling Agricultural Centre - 2.00pm
-    Wednesday 12th June - Carfraemill Hotel - 7.30pm
-    Thursday 13th June - Lochter Activity Centre, Old Meldrum - 7.30pm
-    Friday 14th June – Mercure Hotel, Perth – 2.00pm

• Further details on the meetings available from Alison Milne (Tel: 07917 064086 or Email: alison.milne@nfus.org.uk) or John Sleigh (Tel: 07827 910624 or Email: john.sleigh@nfus.org.uk )

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006