With NFU Scotland’s membership continuing to grow, and the engagement it has with political and wider stakeholder circles stronger than ever, NFU Scotland has launched a new campaign to show why every farmer and crofter in Scotland should be a member.

A Champions campaign has been launched to show those farmers and crofters who are not yet a member what it is that the Union does, why they should be a member along with the thousands of other farmers and crofter across Scotland who are ensuring the agricultural voice is heard.

Seven ‘champions’ from across Scotland, from different sectors of farming and crofting are fronting the campaign. The launch took place at Athelstaneford Mains, Drem, today (Friday 26 April) at the farm of East Lothian farmer James Logan, one of the champions. Another well-known champion, Tracey Roan, of Roan’s Dairies in Dumfriesshire and star of This Farming Life, attended to speak to the media about her involvement.

Over the coming months, videos, and promotional material will be showcased in the press, on social media and across various channels to encourage people with an interest in agriculture to sign-up and become a member.

A new website has been created to tie in with the campaign. This can be accessed by visiting www.joinnfus.org.uk which is live from today.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker, commented: “NFU Scotland is here to achieve a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture.  We have grown our membership in recent years, and that is great, but we have a great opportunity to continue this growth.  

“The strength of our membership gives us the foundation to lobby for the industry on the immediate challenges while we also continue to influence and shape the future for farming and crofting in Scotland.  We can continue grow our membership further and our champions highlights why those farmers and crofters who are yet to become a member should join us.

“The Champions campaign promotes what NFUS does for farmers, crofters and all those with an interest in agriculture.”

East Lothian potato farmer James Logan commented: “I have been a Union member for 35 years now and I find it beneficial to have the team on hand to help me, no matter what the situation may be – whether it’s a query with legislation and red tape or what’s happening with Brexit and how it will impact my business.

“We need support from farmers and crofters across Scotland to fully represent the views of those from every sector and corner of the country, and by signing up to NFUS you can have your say. I would urge anyone who has ever wondered what the Union can do for them, to give the team a call today as you will be surprised with what they can help with and the benefits you will receive.”  Ends

Notes to Editors

• Photographs from the launch are available from 2pm on Friday 26 April by emailing media@nfus.org.uk.
• If using social media to publicise the campaign please tag @NFUStweets on Twitter or NFUScotland on Facebook, and use the hashtag #JoinNFUS
• A new add-on website has been created, which also launched today, and can be accessed through www.joinnfus.org.uk