NFU Scotland’s North East region is holding an event next week (Wednesday 17 November) to help farmers and those keen to enter the industry plan for the future.

Many farmers are considering some key management changes to their businesses. Some more senior members are looking to step back from physically and mentally challenging farming tasks, while younger members are equally keen to take on more land and realise their ambitions.

An expert panel has been lined up to speak in the Glen Garioch room, Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Inverurie on Wednesday, 17 November at 7pm. They include:

• Independent advisors, Ian Davidson and Allan Young from the Scottish Land Matching Service.
• Tenant Farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh.
• NFUS North East Next Generation Chairman, Duncan Morrison.
  

The evening will be chaired by North East Regional Chairman, Alan Simpson.

Ian Davidson of the Scottish Land Matching Service said: “Preparing for the future is something that is easily said but, in reality, is very often left until it is too late.

“It is never too early to consider the future and particularly now as we enter a period of change and uncertainty across the industry. Encouraging and giving the next generation opportunities to learn from and support existing farm businesses to deliver on all that is expected of them in terms of food production, climate and biodiversity is going to be very important over the next few years.”

Bob McIntosh, Tenant Farming Commissioner said: ‘’A time of change is coming with respect to the way that farming businesses are supported by public funds, and we need to ensure that any new grants and incentives work for tenants as well as owner occupiers, and enable businesses to operate profitably while delivering food production, climate change mitigation and biodiversity enhancement.’’  

Notes for editors

• If media would like to attend, contact Lorna Paterson on 07786 860453.

Ends

Contact Lorna Paterson on 07786 860453