Brexit provides 'potential new opportunities' for agricultural co-ops

Although uncertainties are bound for agricultural co-operatives, there is also light at the end of the tunnel with 'potential new opportunities'.

James Graham, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Chief Executive, commented: "Brexit has added new uncertainties for our agricultural co-ops.

"As well as short-term volatility, there are longer-term questions about access to markets and levels of confidence to invest in both farming and food and drink manufacturing.

"But there is also potential for new market opportunities and the possibility of devalued sterling boosting sales of our premium products.

"As our agriculture and food industries become more global, both within and outside the EU trading bloc, the opportunities for agricultural co-ops to grow and expand their role to benefit their farmer members are considerable – as conduits to markets and to innovations in farm productivity and environmental credentials, all under farmer ownership and control.

"Also uncertain is what will replace the current SRDP grant schemes, such as the Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation scheme, and the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

"Our EU Fruit and Vegetable POs benefit from EU funds for their development programmes and work has also been underway to establish an EU Dairy PO in Scotland.

"We recently met Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary and we are currently arranging a further meeting including co-op visits.

"We will contribute fully to the Scottish Government’s consideration of how Scotland’s agricultural co-ops can help secure a successful future for Scotland’s farmers.

"And we look forward to assisting all our agricultural co-ops to accelerate their plans and progress in light of changing circumstances."