NFU Scotland conference to explore farming future

Farm leaders and industry stakeholders are gathering in Glasgow for the annual NFU Scotland conference, which promises to be a pivotal event as Scottish farming navigates a changing agricultural landscape in the post-Brexit era.

The two-day conference (6-7 February) will bring together influential figures from across the agricultural sector to address the critical issues shaping the future of Scottish agriculture.

This year’s theme (opens as PDF) revolves around the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, particularly in light of evolving policies and the increasing focus on sustainability.

See also: NFU Scotland elections: Runners and riders reveal plans

Keynote speakers, including Scotland’s first minister John Swinney MSP and cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon MSP, will provide insight into the political landscape affecting Scottish farmers.

In addition, former Defra secretary George Eustice will offer his perspectives on policy direction, building on his previous engagement with the union.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy, reflecting on the event, highlighted the importance of the conference in shaping the sector’s future.

“This year, we look forward to hearing the views of industry leaders from home and abroad, as well as political leaders,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage in discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, with speakers like Colin Campbell from the James Hutton Institute, and Natalie Smith from Tesco.

“Their expertise will help us remain focused on finding sustainable solutions for our industry.”

Finnish farmer and lobbyist Max Schulman will address delegates, stressing the need for greater involvement of farmers in agricultural policy discussions.

Mr Schulman, who was previously chairman of the Cereals Working Group in Copa-Cogeca, based in Brussels, warns that environmental regulations, while important, have often undermined the ability of farmers to produce food sustainably.

He will say: “Here in the European Union, agriculture has slowly been pushed aside in favour of environmental policies over the last few years.

“Yes, the environmental impact of farming is an issue that must be taken seriously, but I believe that food production should never take a backseat.

“Policies that focus only on environmental concerns without considering the broader picture of food production are bound to create more problems than they solve.”

Pivotal elections

Day two of the conference will also feature the NFU’s presidential elections, where delegates will elect the next president and two vice-presidents.

Outgoing president Martin Kennedy will stand down after eight years as an officeholder, including the past four as president.

Candidates such as Andrew Connon, the union’s current vice-president, are pushing for practical solutions to help farmers navigate financial pressures and secure long-term stability for the sector.