Beatrice Morrice joins the policy team as Political Affairs Manager

Beatrice Morrice joined NFU Scotland last week, taking on the role of Political Affairs Manager.

She will play a vital role in the Union’s lobbying, and actively and directly promote the interests of NFU Scotland in Holyrood and Westminster.

Beatrice joined NFU Scotland from the Scottish Whisky Association (SWA) where she worked for the past ten years as their Head of Engagement, leading on parliamentary and government engagement.

Her role has seen her represent SWA to parliamentarians, government, and a range of external stakeholder groups. Beatrice brings with her an extensive knowledge and understanding of political and parliamentary processes, and the lobbying narrative that agriculture needs to best resonate with parliamentarians.

Looking at her new role, Beatrice commented: “I am delighted to join NFU Scotland. It is an honour to have the opportunity to work for such an important sector for the country. Farmers and crofters are facing many challenges and I look forward to using my experience to promote the interests of our members widely across both parliaments.”  

On Beatrice’s appointment, Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “As well as being a central figure in NFU Scotland’s lobbying, Beatrice will build the profile,

credibility, and influence of the Union with politicians, political parties, and opinion formers to influence government, party policy and legislation to the benefit of Scottish agriculture and all that it underpins.”

“NFU Scotland’s primary function is to influence in the pursuit of a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture. Given today’s rapidly evolving political, economic, and social context, it is critical that we take that lobbying effort to the heart of governments, parliaments, and policy makers as they determine legislation and policy that will shape Scottish agriculture’s future.”

“It is imperative that we engage politically as well as setting out the practical policies required for a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture. Beatrice’s arrival as our new Political Affairs Manager could not be more timely, nor could her experience be more valuable”.

Notes to editors:

• A photograph of Beatrice Morrice is attached.  

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Contact Ruth Oxborrow on 07823 556253

David Michie joins the policy team as Policy Manager for Crops

Joining the Union as Policy Manager for Crops, David Michie takes over from Peter Loggie who retires in early April.

David will be responsible for all things arable, including cereals, potatoes, vegetables, and soft fruits.

Having worked in the agricultural sector for almost 20 years, David brings a wealth of experience to the role. He grew up on his family’s all-arable farm in Aberdeenshire, which produces malting barley as well as oilseed rape and other cereals for the feed market, and worked there for a few years after leaving agricultural college.

Prior to joining the Union, David held a number of roles in a range of organisations including in agricultural consultancy for SAC Consulting, and as Associate Director of Farming and Land Use for Soil Association Scotland.

Looking at his new role with NFU Scotland, David commented: “I’m coming to the Union at a time of significant change amidst a fast-paced and exciting policy landscape. We are starting to get an idea of what the implications of Brexit and coronavirus could be in the longer term.”

“We are also seeing a clear prioritisation of environmental issues, particularly climate change, not only from governments but increasingly from the supply chain, financial institutions, and the public.

“There will be significant challenges for the arable, potato, soft fruit and horticulture sectors going forward, and I am looking forward to getting to grips with these big issues by working with the membership to turn potential challenges into opportunities. There’s plenty for me to get stuck into!”

Commenting on David’s appointment, Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “With Peter’s impending retirement in early April, we’ve known for some time that we had a challenge to successfully fill a role that Peter had made his own over many years of dedicated and meticulous service to NFU Scotland and its members. Peter has been a fantastic advocate for NFU Scotland for more than two decades and made the arable brief his own. He will retire with our warmest wishes and appreciation.

“Ahead of that, David joins us and will add significant value to our renowned team of policy professionals. I have no doubt that David will pick up from where Peter leaves off and the intentional overlap between the two will ensure continuity in the interests of our combinable crops, potatoes, vegetables, and horticulture members.

“David brings with him significant experience from the world of policy advocacy combined with a deep practical insight into the issues and challenges facing arable producers in Scotland. In particular, David’s understanding of the economic and environmental pressures on Scotland’s growers will ensure the Union continues to deliver effective lobbying across all arable interests and beyond.”

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Contact Ruth Oxborrow on 07823 556253