The UK Government’s Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP, is to join a top line-up of speakers at NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference next week (Friday 28 October), addressing delegates on the Brexit negotiations.
The packed conference agenda will focus on the most pressing political issues of the day, with a programme of high-profile speakers from across the Scottish political spectrum.
The Secretary of State will discuss the UK Government’s negotiating position towards the UK’s exit from the EU, focusing on how the interests of Scottish farming and crofting will be best represented. Mr Mundell will speak alongside AHDB’s Chief Strategy Officer, Tom Hind, who will address the key concerns on future trade agreements, agricultural policy and labour requirements in a panel session dedicated to informing members about the latest Brexit developments.
This will follow a morning session with the convenors of the two Scottish Parliamentary committees dedicated to scrutinising legislation relevant to the agricultural sector – Edward Mountain MSP, of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, and Graeme Dey MSP of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee. Delegates will hear about the key legislation going through the Scottish Parliament in the coming months and how the agricultural industry can work with MSPs to inform and influence the process.
President of NFU Scotland, Allan Bowie, commented: “NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference has a refreshed format this year and it is testament to the significant rural affairs profile in the political agenda at present that the Union has secured such a strong line-up of speakers.
“This is a one-off opportunity to put questions to the key players and negotiators in Scottish and UK politics at the present time.
“I am delighted the Secretary of State for Scotland will address delegates on the UK Government’s Brexit negotiations, at what is a time of significant uncertainty for all in our industry. It is vital that farmers and crofters are represented fully in this debate, and negotiators are left in do doubt that we are open for business, but only if we are provided with confidence moving forward.
“From the high-profile Brexit negotiations down to forthcoming Scottish legislation on climate change and food and drink, all will be up for discussion at the Autumn Conference and I encourage all members to take this opportunity to give their views.”
Notes to editors
- NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference will take place on Friday 28 October at the Battleby Conference Centre, Perth. The event is open to all members of NFU Scotland. Registration will take place from 10.15am, and the main event will take place between 11am – 3pm. A light lunch will be provided.
- Registration can be secured by contacting diane.burnside@nfus.org.uk
- For further details visit: http://www.nfus.org.uk/members-area/events/2016/october/nfus-annual-autumn-conference
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Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108.