'Must embrace Brexit opportunities': NFU Scotland hosts Autumn Conference
The agricultural industry must embrace the opportunities and rise to the challenges for a vibrant future, NFU Scotland’s President Allan Bowie told the Union’s Autumn Conference.
The Conference focused on the most pressing issues on the political agenda, which in turn heavily influences agricultural policies.
The morning session welcomed the convenors of the two Scottish Parliamentary committees dedicated to scrutinising legislation relevant to the agricultural sector – Edward Mountain MSP, of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, and Graeme Dey MSP of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.
Over 120 delegates heard about the key legislation going through the Scottish Parliament in the coming months and how the agricultural industry can work with MSPs to inform and influence the process.
In the afternoon session, the Secretary of State, David Mundell, discussed the UK government’s negotiating position towards the UK’s exit from the EU, focusing on how the interests of Scottish farming and crofting will be best represented.
Mr Mundell said: "Scottish farming is already leading the way... Just ask Highland Wagyu who are aiming to become the biggest producer of Wagyu cattle in Europe
"Or Mackie’s who have sold their ice cream as far afield as South Korea, or Ogilvie Potato Vodka who are growing, harvesting, brewing and distilling potatoes for the international vodka market.
"There is no doubt we have a worldwide reputation for quality."
Mr Mundell spoke alongside AHDB’s Chief Strategy Officer, Tom Hind, who addressed the key concerns on future trade agreements, agricultural policy and labour requirements in a panel session dedicated to informing members about the latest Brexit developments.
'Shape and influence a new policy'
Opening the conference, President Allan Bowie said 'it is an exciting time for Scottish agriculture'.
"We have an opportunity through Brexit that we’ve never had before - to shape and influence a new agricultural policy, which works for Scotland, and the rest of the UK," Mr Bowie said.
“We need a policy which is designed to suit our farming and crofting practices. It is now our responsibility to get things right for future generations.
“The system we’ve had for the last 40 years, which has been driven by Europe, isn’t working for Scotland or the UK.
“Every single person in this room has the opportunity to input into what would work for this country, for our farmers and crofters, for those working the land who know what would be best and practically possible. Research, innovation and education must also be integral to this new policy.
“We know the markets are in a difficult place, however there is a glimmer of light for certain sectors as prices being paid to farmers start to increase, and margins narrow. We continue to work with retailers and those across the supply chain to fight for better margins for our food producers and better returns.
“As an industry we must embrace the opportunities and rise to the challenges,” Mr Bowie concluded.
