Next Generation take the opportunity to outline key issues to Cabinet Secretary
A very enjoyable Royal Highland Show is over for another year, and once again our Next Generation group took the opportunity to increase their political engagement to highlight key issues.
This year we teamed up with SAYFC to ensure the voices of the next generation were heard. Thursday was kicked off with John Davidson and Penny Montgomery (SAYFC CEO) signing the official Partnership Agreement between NFUS and SAYFC. The purpose of the Partnership Agreement is to outline commitments from both organisations that will enhance joint working on issues affecting Scottish agriculture in the joint interests of our members. We already have a great working relationship with SAYFC, but formalising this into an agreement will ensure we have a clear direction going forward.
It was our joint efforts that made the SAYFC Agri and Rural Affairs Reception with Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon in attendance such a success. We are very grateful to Cabinet Secretary for coming along and listening to our key issues. Ben McClymont and Ally Brunton done an excellent job of outlining the need for sufficient funding for practical training courses and apprenticeships, and underlined our concerns about the impact the Land Reform Bill proposals may have on the next generation. We also made the case for supporting young people into agriculture, including next generation support in the future support framework.
We look forward to continuing our engagement with Cabinet Secretary on the important issues outlined above.