NFU Scotland leader Allan Bowie has launched an appeal to the current generation of farmers to get involved in shaping an agricultural policy fit for the future.
He made his plea at the union’s autumn conference where debate over a Scottish agriculture post-Brexit topped the agenda.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with UK Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom this week, 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.
“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.”
Mr Bowie called on the 120 delegates at the meeting and the whole industry to work together, to embrace opportunities and rise to the challenges.
And while Brexit topped the agenda, Mr Bowie said the union continued to press for simplification of the greening rules and for clarification on reliable farm payments following problems with the Scottish Government’s flawed £200million farm payments computer system.
“We saw the hole the lack of farm payments made in the whole rural economy last year. We can’t have this happening again,” he said.
He also appealed to his audience to help find new members to boost the union’s influence.
“The more members we have, the more clout and influence we have to effect change, and that will be necessary for Scottish agriculture to thrive for generations to come,” added Mr Bowie.