Farmers and crofters invited to attend 12 roadshows around the country on future support arrangements

NFU Scotland will be on the road during May and June with a series of 12 event to discuss future agricultural policy in Scotland.

The events – taking in Shetland, Orkney, Skye, Inverurie, Stepps, Carfraemill, Castle Douglas, Dingwall, Perth, Kilmarnock, Campbeltown and Oban – invite farmers and crofters to discuss Scotland’s transition from a post-Brexit, post-Common Agricultural Policy support framework to a new agricultural policy in Scotland, expected to be in place by 2025.

As a key element of the transition, the first track of Scottish Government’s National Test Programme (NTP), entitled ‘Preparing for Sustainable Farming’, launched last week.  That saw guidance published for farmers and crofters on how to access support for carbon audits and soil testing – both of which will help the sector reduce emissions and improve efficiency and are likely to be a conditional element of receiving support in the future.  The guidance is available at: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/preparing-for-sustainable-farming--psf-/ and will open for claims in May.

All NFUS roadshow events will be attended by President Martin Kennedy and Director of Policy Jonnie Hall.  Looking forward to getting back out on the road again, Jonnie Hall said: “A new Scottish agricultural support framework is currently being developed which will fundamentally change the way farmers and crofters in Scotland are supported to meet new policy goals.

“The direction of travel towards 2025 is clear, underlined by the announcement last week of Track One of the National Test Programme.

“NFU Scotland is adamant that a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture is critical if it is to deliver the food production, climate and nature outcomes expected.  The key to that is supporting active farmers and crofters and enabling them to change and thrive.

“We invite all farmers and crofters to join us to hear more about how future policy is developing.  More importantly, we want to hear from farmers and crofters on what these changes will mean for them, and I invite them to join us in person at one of these 12 roadshows.”  

Notes to Editors

• Media are welcome to attend any of the following roadshows.  To confirm attendance, please email media@nfus.org.uk

• Suggested caption for photo - NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy and Director of Policy Jonnie Hall will be setting off on a 12-date tour of Scotland during May and June to discuss Scotland's future agricultural policy and support arrangements.

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Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675