Union to discuss Post-Brexit agricultural policy at Tory and SNP fringe events

For the first time, NFU Scotland is to host fringe events at national political party conferences.

On Monday, 2 October, the Union will be attending the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, where it will host a breakfast event (starting at 8.15am) to outline the proposals in its discussion document ‘Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit’ to key politicians, ministers and party members.

The event will hear from Lord Duncan of Springbank, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, who will give his take on NFU Scotland’s proposals and how to secure the best Brexit deal for Scottish agriculture. In the chair will be Union Vice President Martin Kennedy.

A week later, on Monday 9 October, the Union will be hosting a lunchtime fringe event (starting at 12.30pm) at the SNP national conference in Glasgow.  It will be addressed by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing MSP and chaired by NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick.

NFU Scotland’s Political Affairs Manager Clare Slipper, who has organised both events said: “Since the referendum vote to leave the EU in June 2016, NFU Scotland has ramped up its political engagement to unprecedented levels.

“In the last year alone, NFU Scotland has met with hundreds of politicians from across the political spectrum and has spent many days in both the UK and Scottish parliaments pushing our very clear message that the Brexit negotiations must secure a profitable and bright future for farmers and crofters across Scotland.

“NFU Scotland’s decision to attend the national conferences of the parties of the UK and Scottish governments is reflective of this increased engagement. Conferences are where the foundations of party policy begin and it is vital that the Union takes the opportunity now to get in front of key policy formers and decision-makers.

“We are certain that our fringe events will encourage a lively debate around the proposals contained within NFU Scotland’s discussion document ‘Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit’. We must build consensus on how the industry will thrive after we leave the EU and anticipate these events will be engaging and informative both for attendees and Union representatives.”  

Notes to editors

• Conservative Party Conference – NFU Scotland fringe event will be on Monday 2 October, 08:15 – 09:15 in Exchange 1, Manchester Central. Speakers: Lord Duncan of Springbank, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Scotland Office; Jonnie Hall, Director of Policy for NFU Scotland; Martin Kennedy, Vice President (Chair).  Breakfast will be served at 8:15.
• SNP Party Conference – NFU Scotland fringe event will be on Monday 9 October, 12:30 – 13:30 in the Alsh (B) room, SEC, Glasgow.  Speakers: Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity; Jonnie Hall; Andrew McCornick (President). Martin Kennedy and Gary Mitchell will also be present at the event. A buffet lunch of Scottish produce will be served on arrival at 12:30.
• NFU Scotland’s Change - A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit discussion document can be read by visiting https://www.nfus.org.uk/policy/brexit.aspx. 
• Members of the media are invited to attend both fringe events.  More details available from media@nfus.org.uk Further details also available from Political Affairs Manager Clare Slipper on clare.slipper@nfus.org.uk or call 07780 607225
  

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006