NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Working Group held their AGM on Sunday 20 May at Loch Leven’s Larder, Kinross, where Mark Donald and Sarah Allison were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair respectably.

Chair Mark Donald, who farms at Rhynaclach farm in Port Monteith, is sitting for his second term, having been first elected in February 2016.
The group has now formalised their structure with ‘Terms of Reference’ allowing the group full access in all of the regions and also a representative on every commodity committee and working group within NFUS.

An increase in member engagement and recruitment was also agreed on with 'Breaking the Barriers Roadshows’ being planned across the country this year as well as six events with FAS and the SLC due to be held.

The Next Generation group now also has a representative in every region, with details of who to contact on the NFUS website.
Share Farming was also highlighted at the meeting as a priority for the working group, with a North East event organised for 6 June at Thainstone Mart. The event is from 7 o’clock and attendees will hear from NFU Scotland Next Generation Vice Chair Sarah Allison, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick, as well as representatives from Gillespie McAndrew and Johnstone Carmichael.

Chair Mark Donald commented: “The meeting was extremely upbeat and positive, something which I believe the Next Generation as a whole feels about the future of farming in Scotland.

“The group decided an Annual Work Plan which will see us engaging with the next generation across Scotland and travelling to events which are specific to young people involved in agriculture.

“We will continue our lobbying and prioritise issues impacting the next generation, making sure that we are building a positive farming future. I look forward to the exciting year ahead and all the potential that the group is demonstrating.” Ends

Notes to Editor

• A picture from the Next Generation Working Group is available by request from media@nfus.org.uk
• For more information on the North East Share Farming event contact Lorna Paterson at lorna.paterson@nfus.org.uk or Jenny Brunton at jenny.brunton@nfus.org.uk