The Scottish agricultural sector has stressed how important profitability, innovation and collaboration are for the industry to grow.
In his address to NFU Scotland’s Annual General Meeting, President Allan Bowie told a packed room in Glasgow today (Monday 6 February) that the skills and expertise of young farmers and crofters and those looking to enter the industry are the DNA of the industry.
Mr Bowie said their enthusiasm must be embraced as they will shape the industry for future generations.
He said that Brexit creates an opportunity like never before, but 'common sense' and 'pragmatism' is needed to make it work.
Speaking this morning, Mr Bowie said: “Brexit provides us with the chance to shape and influence a new agricultural policy, one which is designed to work for modern-day Scottish farmers and crofters.
“And NFU Scotland is even stronger in its commitment to make this opportunity work for many generations to come.
“Our industry is made up of people from different sectors, backgrounds, genders and ages, and that’s what makes it so special. Our young people and those starting up in farming and crofting are the DNA of our industry. They provide a future for Scottish agriculture.
“We have lobbied for, and supported generations before them and we will continue to support them in their aspirations and visions for their businesses for the future.”
Mr Bowie said the Union welcomes the UK Government’s ambitions to be an 'open and strong' trading nation.
He said: “However, we need far more detail about how the agricultural sector will be represented in the negotiations now that we are to leave the Single Market and the Customs Union.
“There are opportunities available, but UK Government needs to be aware of the danger of tariffs and barriers to trade and the decimating impact this could have on different sectors of the agricultural industry if we are unable to secure a decent Free Trade Agreement with the EU.”
