Politicians, market and agricultural industry experts are confirmed for the two-day event.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP is among the speakers confirmed to address delegates attending NFU Scotland’s National conference being staged in Glasgow next month on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 February.
Also confirmed to speak at the conference which will focus on what the future could hold for Scottish agriculture and how Scotland’s agricultural sector can grasp the opportunities for growth, are;
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill MP.
- Mr Colin Campbell, James Hutton Institute CEO.
- Mr Mark Suthern, Commissioner on the recent Farm Assurance Review and former Director of Agriculture at Barclays.
- Mr Max Schulman, a Finnish farmer and Copa-Cogeca Chairman of Cereals and Oilseeds Working Group.
- Mr George Eustice, Former Secretary of State at Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
- Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture,Tesco plc.
Additionally, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP, have confirmed their attendance at the conference. The ministers will accompany the First Minister as he makes his key note address and will be available for subsequent audience questions.
The Union’s national Conference is a two-day event which in will incorporate Union business in the form of its AGM and Council meeting, along with an annual dinner, in addition to a packed schedule of presentations and debate. This year, elections will also be held to appoint the next President and Vice-Presidents of the Union.
The Union’s outgoing President Martin Kennedy and CEO John Davidson will also take to the conference stage to deliver key Union updates in their own individual addresses.
Upon announcement of this year’s guest speakers, NFU Scotland CEO, John Davidson said: “We are delighted that for the second year running, Scotland’s First Minister will be addressing delegates at the NFU Scotland’s national Conference. This event is a long-established highlight of the Scottish agricultural calendar and provides an excellent platform to discuss developments and concerns within our industry.
“Confirmation of multiple political, market and industry expert guest speakers, is testament to our renowned Scottish farming and crofting industry. Attendance from each of these individuals will assist our goal to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for our fantastic industry. We are all looking forward to hearing from each of them.
“This will be a packed event however there are still some delegate places and sponsorship opportunities available. Members are encouraged to go to our website nfus.org.uk to book online soon to avoid missing out.”
Full details on event programming will be released in the coming weeks.
Notes for Editors
- NFU Scotland’s National Conference, AGM and Annual Dinner will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, G2 8DL on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 February 2025. The event is sponsored by ABP, M&S Food and Diageo. Full information is available here: https://www.nfus.org.uk/about-nfus/agm-2025.aspx .
- Media interested in attending the event can email: media@nfus.org.uk
Contact Diana McGowan on 07920 018619