Union lays out Post-Brexit agricultural policy at Tory Conference fringe event
Politicians must recognise the strong economic and environmental contribution of Scottish agriculture in the Brexit negotiations. This was the strong message from NFU Scotland’s first ever fringe event at a national party conference.
Attending the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this morning (2 October), the union outlined the proposals in its discussion document ‘Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit’ to key politicians, ministers and party members.
It was made clear by the Union that, with 13 new Conservative MPs representing Scotland in the House of Commons, it must see delivery on behalf of their agricultural constituents. The event heard from Lord Duncan of Springbank, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, and was chaired by Union Vice President Martin Kennedy.
Next week (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.
Speaking from the Conservative conference, Mr Kennedy said: “Food and drink is one of the biggest drivers in Scotland's economy, with big ambitions to grow the industry to £30 billion by 2030.
“Scotland's farmers and crofters are the bedrock of this booming industry and are up for the challenge, but to deliver on these ambitions they must be supported by governments as we enter a particularly uncertain future outside of the EU.
“It was encouraging to see such a good turnout at this morning’s event and the quality of discussion gives us confidence that the important role Scottish farming plays is being recognised. But we must not take this for granted – the whole industry must unite to deliver strong messages to governments about what policy tools we need in the toolbox to rise to the challenge.
“Equally, Scottish farmers and crofters must make their voices heard in the debate. NFUS will shortly be embarking on a nationwide Brexit roadshow and it is more important than ever that members engage with us, so that the union can make a clear an unambiguous case to politicians and policymakers.
“We already know from the significant amount of engagement we have had with members in recent months that any new agricultural policy for the UK after we leave Europe and the CAP must have significant inbuilt flexibilities to deliver at a devolved level. This approach will allow the right policies to be developed for the right areas, allowing Scotland’s active farmers and crofters to improve productivity and the environment – rather than incentivising inertia.
“Conferences are where the foundations of party policy begin. Attending the Conservative Conference in this important year for Scottish agriculture is giving NFUS greater access to key decision-makers and we look forward to making the same arguments when we get in front of delegates at the SNP conference in Glasgow next week.” Ends
Notes to editors
- Conservative Party Conference – NFU Scotland fringe event took place at Exchange 1, Manchester Central. The speakers were Lord Duncan of Springbank, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Scotland Office; and Jonnie Hall, Director of Policy for NFU Scotland.
- A photo is available on request from media@nfus.org.uk
- 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.
- Members of the media are invited to attend the fringe event. 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.
- 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.
Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006.