NFUS has welcomed the publication by the Scottish Land Commission of the James Hutton Institute report ‘Increasing Availability of Farmland for New Entrants to Agriculture in Scotland’. The report examines current mechanisms and issues associated with these, as well as outlining some lesser known and less commonly used options such as share farming and joint ventures. The Commission has asked Stakeholders for feedback on the report to assist them in identifying a way forward.

Jenny Brunton, NFUS Policy Manager said, “The NFUS Next Generation Group is taking shape, and with the AGM coming up on the 20th of May this report comes at an ideal time to open up wider discussions around barriers to entry and progression within the farming industry. NFUS is committed to building on the findings of the report, the Union has already begun its own work on providing guidance on share farming. We hope that this will be just one of the new mechanisms which will promote a more fluid and accessible agricultural sector.

“NFUS will also be working with Scottish Land Commission and the Farm Advisory service on a series of joint events around the country to highlight the options available to new entrants and also to existing farmers. More detail on these events will be available in due course.”

Notes to Editor

• Anyone who would like to register for the Next Generation AGM can RSVP to Jenny Brunton at jenny.brunton@nfus.org.uk

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Contact Douglas Ross on 0131 472 4108