NFU Scotland wants the Agricultural Holdings Review process to create a better platform for new and developing farm businesses.
In response to the Agricultural Holdings Review Group’s recent call for evidence, NFUS is holding a round of meetings for tenant, owner-occupier and landlord members.
The remit of the Cabinet Secretary-led group is to establish the appropriate legislation needed to deliver a tenanted sector that’s fit for purpose. Evidence sessions, along with surveys and planned public meetings all form part of the group’s review process. The first part of that process – the Scottish Government’s survey of tenant farmers - closes on Monday 10 March.
The series of nine NFUS meetings will be chaired by its President, Nigel Miller and will provide an opportunity to discuss the Union’s proposed verbal and written submissions to the Group. Members with a present or future interest in agricultural tenancies are invited to attend. Alongside these meetings, tenancy issues continue to be discussed extensively within NFUS’ Tenants Working Group and Legal and Technical Committee.
NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller said:
“As a union, we recognise that it is hugely important to Scottish agriculture that we have a tenanted sector that works for existing tenants and landlords, while also ensuring that there are opportunities for new and expanding farmers to rent land.
“Tenancy issues have too often been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and trust in some areas has been a casualty. This is an opportunity to address that.
“The review process will shine a light on Scotland's land tenure system, the opportunities that exist for those who want to farm and the relationships that underpin rural communities. It is an opportunity to create a better platform for the next generation and help existing farm businesses to develop.
“We want to assist the Review group in setting out recommendations for a legislative framework that encourages the owners of land to rent while providing security to the tenant, allowing them to invest in their business.
“These meetings represent an opportunity for our members to air their opinions on the tenanted sector at a time when there is a unique opportunity for real change.” Ends
Notes to Editors
• NFU Scotland is holding a round of meetings, chaired by President Nigel Miller, to discuss items that will be included in our oral and written submissions to the Agricultural Holdings Review group. The dates are:
Tenant Meetings
- 18th March, Templar Hall, Tarbert 12.30pm (lunch provided)
- 20th March, Huntingtower Hotel, Perth, 7pm (coffee provided)
- 24th March, Dingwall Mart, Dingwall 12.30pm (lunch provided)
- 24th March, Porterhouse Restaurant, Thainstone, 7pm (coffee provided)
- 31st March, Lanark Mart, Lanark, 12.30 (lunch provided)
- 31st March, Carfraemill, Lauder, 7pm (coffee provided)
- 2nd April, Douglas Arms, Castle Douglas, 12.30pm (lunch provided)
Landlord/Owner Occupier Meetings
- 4th April, Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore 12.30pm (lunch provided)
- 7th April, Lanark Mart, Lanark, 12.30pm (lunch provided)
• Members unable to attend the meetings are encouraged to make their views known by contacting NFU Scotland’s Legal and Technical Policy Manager Gemma Thomson on gemma.thomson@nfus.org.uk or call 0131 472 4018.