NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference in Perthshire this Friday (27 October) is to feature a top bill of political speakers taking stock of progress in the Brexit negotiations.

Attendees at Birnam Arts & Conference Centre will hear from Lord Ian Duncan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, and Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe.

The event, which is open to all NFUS members, will see the politicians provide an update on negotiations before participating in a question and answer session on how governments and industry can work together after Brexit to create a new agricultural policy and trading platform for Scotland and the UK.

Members will also hear from Tom Hind, Chief Strategy Officer at the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) on its latest Brexit scenario-planning, which examined the potential impact of Brexit on a wide range of farm types.

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “With the negotiations to leave the EU finally gaining some traction, and NFUS shortly embarking on a Scotland-wide roadshow of Brexit meetings with members, this Conference will provide an important opportunity to take stock of the latest developments and preparing our membership for change and life outside of the EU.

“It is vital that we cut through the politics of Brexit if we are to secure the best deal for Scottish food and farming from this difficult process. In Lord Duncan and Michael Russell, we have high-profile decision makers from both the UK and Scottish governments giving their perspectives on negotiations and how we can ultimately work together to ensure a prosperous post-Brexit future.

“It is my hope that the discussions will allow members to hear of progress and encourage them to start thinking about what they need from governments, and their Union, to prepare them for life post-Brexit.  

“I encourage all members to attend this conference, which builds on the ‘Change’ discussion that started with our membership in June.  That important dialogue with Scotland’s farmers and crofters will see officeholders back on the road next month.”  

Notes to Editors

• NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference will be in Birnam Arts & Conference Centre, Birnam, by Dunkeld, PH8 0DS on Friday, 27 October.
  • Registration from 9.30am
  • 10.15am – Welcome from NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick
  • 10.30am - UK and Scottish Negotiations on Agricultural Frameworks After Brexit with Lord Ian Duncan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland at the UK Government’s Scotland Office and Michael Russell MSP - Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe at the Scottish Government
  • 11.30am – 12.15pm - Brexit – latest news and developments with Tom Hind - Chief Strategy Officer with Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
  • 12.15pm – 1.30pm – Lunch
  • 1.30pm – 3.00pm – Workshop session on Brexit priorities with members followed by summing up by Andrew McCornick. 
• If media would like to attend, email: media@nfus.org.uk If members would like to attend, call 0131 472 4000 to book
• NFU Scotland’s Brexit roadshow events are as follows (all start at 7.30pm unless stated otherwise)
  • 1 November – East Central at Huntingtower Hotel
  • 2 November – Forth and Clyde at Garfield Hotel, Stepps 
  • 6 November – Highlands at Broadford Hotel, Skye 
  • 7 November – Highlands at Dingwall Mart 
  • 8 November – North East at Thainstone 
  • 13 November – Orkney at Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall 
  • 14 November – Shetland at Shetland Hotel, Lerwick 
  • 21 November – Ayrshire at Western Hotel, Ayr
  • 22 November – Dumfries and Galloway at Douglas Arms, Castle Douglas 
  • 23 November – Lothians and Borders at Carfraemill
    
  • 24 November – Argyll and Islands (12.30pm at Tarbert Bowling Club and 7.30pm at Cuan Mor, Oban).
• To read NFU Scotland’s Brexit CHANGE documents follow links below: https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/Policy/Brexit/Brexit%20Doc%20-%20pages.pdf and https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/News%20Release/Change%20Document%20August%202017%20website.pdf
  

Ends

Contact Douglas Ross on 0131 472 4108