NFU Scotland will tomorrow (Thursday 6 September) host MSPs and researchers to discuss it’s ‘Steps to Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland’ proposals

The Scottish Parliament has this week returned from the long summer recess, and NFU Scotland is early in the door to hold this high-profile event which is kindly being sponsored by East Lothian Labour MSP, Iain Gray MSP. The event will also be attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing MSP.

This cross-party event is intended to build on discussions with Scottish decision-makers on the long-term vision for Scottish agriculture which NFU Scotland believes should be driven by a new agricultural policy focused on activity, productivity and environmental benefits.

With the Scottish Government now considering the responses to its recent consultation on the transitional arrangements for agricultural policy, and MSPs returning for an extremely busy parliamentary term which will see us through EU ‘exit day’ on 29 March 2019, this event will be a timely opportunity to engage with politicians and researchers from across the Chamber and build consensus.

The Union will be focussing on its ‘Steps to Change - A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland’ document which sets out the three components of a new agricultural policy – financial stability, productivity and the environment – and how they can best be delivered post Brexit.

Speaking ahead of the event, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “The fact that the Scottish Parliament are less than a week back from recess and we are already being invited in to host this event shows just how important Scottish agriculture is to the economy.

“It is NFU Scotland’s intention to be on the front foot of any decision making to be made for Scottish agriculture and to bring solutions, not problems, when we meet with politicians, which is exactly what we have in our ‘Steps to Change’ document.

“With a lack of consensus amongst governments and parties across the political spectrum on the final Brexit deal, it is a frustrating time for farmers and crofters, who need to be able to make long term plans for their businesses but can’t because of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Whilst the politics will continue to dominate within UK Government and the EU Brexit negotiating team, closer to home we need decision making from our politicians in Scotland on the long-term strategy for the agricultural industry and how Scottish farmers and crofters will be supported to deliver on that strategy.

“We are happy to provide Scottish politicians with our ‘Steps to Change’ document which sets out NFU Scotland’s vision for right policies for Scotland and the need to manage inevitable change at a pace that suits Scotland’s unique agricultural profile.”

Notes to the Editor

• The event will be held in The Fleming Room in the Scottish Parliament from 13:00 – 14:15. The event is open to MSPs, researchers and other parliamentary staff who have an interest in future rural policy. A sandwich lunch will be provided. Attending from NFU Scotland will be the President, Andrew McCornick; Vice President, Martin Kennedy; Director of Policy and Member Services, Jonnie Hall; Director of Communications, Bob Carruth; and Political Affairs Manager, Clare Slipper
• The event is not open to the press but a comment with accompanying pictures will be released following it.
  

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Contact Douglas Ross on 0131 472 4059