NFU SCOTLAND

📣NFU SCOTLAND RALLY OUTSIDE HOLYROOD ON NOVEMBER 28📣 We are calling on all those who want a thriving rural economy in Scotland to rally outside Holyrood on Thursday 28 November to seek guarantees that the Scottish Government’s forthcoming budget supports farming, crofting and all that they deliver. As a result of the recent UK Budget, decisions on how Scotland supports agriculture now rest exclusively with the Scottish Government and the rally, which will see attendees start to gather at 11.30am, is being held ahead of the Scottish Government’s budget on 4 December. Details are at: https://lnkd.in/eUij7ieU The Union urges all farmers and crofters to attend but also asks all those businesses, upstream and downstream, who are reliant on a thriving rural economy for their livelihoods to show their support and join the rally. At the rally, leading politicians have already indicated their willingness to address the event. NFU Scotland will have delegates from every region in Scotland and are asking members to contact their MSPs in advance to organise a meeting that day. President Martin Kennedy said: “The huge level of uncertainty felt by farmers and crofters threatens food production, family farming and crofting businesses and the environment. In the recent budget, the UK Government effectively washed its hands of a funding ring-fenced multi-annual safety net that has been in place for over 50 years when it passed the budget in a lump sum to Scottish Government. “On Thursday 28 November we are organising a rally to which we want all those who attend to send a clear message to the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government about the importance of delivering future, multi-annual, ring-fenced funding for Scottish agriculture. Our rally will highlight all that farmers and crofters deliver, including high-quality food production, climate and nature restoration, and thriving rural communities. “The Scottish Government and Parliament now have a real opportunity to demonstrate that they do understand and will fully support a thriving Scottish agriculture sector. “Let us be under no illusions this is a monumental time for Scottish agriculture, and we must rally to secure a budget on 4 December that not only delivers for Scottish farmers and crofters but for the thousands of supply chain jobs that depend on them.” ❗️NOTE❗️ It is essential that all attendees follow the Scottish Parliament’s rules and guidelines for a safe event. These are available at: https://bit.ly/3Mj5BhO 💻For further information from your Union, please visit 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUij7ieU

AgriScot 2024 ✅ Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make our #AgriScot2024 Seminar a success. We were delighted to have First Minister John Swinney MSP and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP on stage for our key debate. The FM and Minister Fairlie answered questions on future Scottish agricultural funding, flooding management, species management, public procurement, education and skills training, livestock attacks, bovine EID and the UK Autumn Budget. To read President Martin Kennedy's speech in full, head to 👉 https://buff.ly/4hO8Mxe We hope you all enjoyed the day and look forward to next year!📣 - #AgriScot #ScotGov #ScotGovRural #ScottishGovernment #FirstMinister #MinisterForAgriculture #MartinKennedy #NFUS2024

Brilliant day at the MAGB annual event in London at The Armourers Hall with Andrew Connon & Jack Stevenson. Fantastic networking and Andrew gave an excellent speech which really hit the mark. Flying the flag for Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Following the UK Budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 30 October, concern has spread on what this will mean for the British agricultural sector. After meticulous analysis, Alex Docherty, head of private client tax at NFU Scotland’s tax helpline operator Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, writes that the budget will have significant impact on succession planning for rural businesses. While encouraging members to reach out to Johnston Carmichael’s team of experts on 0800 023 2368, she writes: 'Up until now, farmers could die holding their farm business and up to 100% Inheritance Tax relief could be available on death. Going forward from 6 April 2026, changes will be introduced to the rate of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) & Business Property Relief (BPR) when assets exceed a certain value. Whilst there were some positive announcements on 30 October for rural business, which we touch on later, on the whole it was a rollercoaster of a day for the sector and the after effects will be felt over future years.' Read the full blog here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5jJWCRV - #UKBudget2024 #ScottishAgriculture #JohnstonCarmichael

On #WorldMentalHealthDay2024 a reminder of the importance of taking time to touch base with others in the farming community. It can be tempting to accept that first “I’m fine” but if you think someone is struggling, please ask again and give them your time. Just listening and letting someone know you care, can make a world of difference. We know that just a little kindness can save a life. ❤️ #keeptalking #kindness #farmingcommunity #thankyou Sincere thanks to poet Becky Hemsley for giving us permission to use her powerful words. NFU SCOTLAND Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs SAOS Ltd

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay This year, the focus is on mental health care in the workplace. Recent research shows that farmers are at higher risk of poor mental health and suicide than other professions, due to the isolating and stressful nature of the job. Members of NFU Scotland Committees and Head Office staff attended RSABI's Mental Health First Aid training yesterday, to better equip themselves for having supportive conversations with anyone struggling. In this difficult and demanding industry, it's important we remember to take time to relieve stress and check-up on those around us. RSABI's helpline is free and available 24/7. - #MentalHealth #MentalHealthinAgriculture #MentalWellbeing

Stay Ahead in Agriculture with our Top Crop of Influencers! Check out our latest blog to discover the top agricultural influencers you need to follow to stay at the forefront of the industry. From trusted magazines to insightful podcasts, we've rounded up the voices shaping the future of farming. Whether you're expanding your business or diving into agri, these influencers will keep you informed and inspired. 🔗 https://buff.ly/4gHziaO #AgriInfluencers #FarmingTrends

Up next in our Scottish Food & Drink September spotlights: the vegetable sector. 🫛🥕🥔 Join Geoff from BRUCE FARMS LIMITED as he shares how Scotland’s unique climate, fertile land, pure water, and dedicated people work together to produce exceptional vegetables. How are you celebrating the last few days of Scottish Food & Drink September? Discover ways to get involved 👇 https://lnkd.in/g89N7ZSy #NaturallyScottish

🌾 HARVEST SURVEY - WIN A BOTTLE OF GIN 🌾 With many parts of Scotland finally getting harvest underway, NFU Scotland is asking growers to now complete its 31st consecutive annual harvest survey. The Union is only seeking information on yields and crop area for barley, wheat, oats, oilseed rape and rye – nothing else – so completing the survey is quick and easy. PLUS there is the added incentive that all those who complete the survey will be entered into a draw for a bottle of Scottish premium gin! The survey will close on Monday, 23 September.

NFU Scotland is delighted to announce the appointment of Gill Scott as Chair of its Remuneration Committee. With over 10 years of senior leadership experience as HR Director at Aegon UK, Gill brings a wealth of experience to the role. The Union’s Remuneration Committee is one of three key committees that supports NFU Scotland’s Board of Directors. Its remit includes advising the Presidential Committee on honorarium levels for elected office holders, annual pay awards, and non-pay remuneration such as pension contributions and other benefits. While the Chair of the Committee is an external appointment and is not a Company Director, Gill Scott will be invited to attend at least one main Board meeting annually. Having retired from Aegon UK in 2022, Gill currently provides advisory support to various organisations on leadership and executive matters. In addition to her new role at NFU Scotland, she also chairs the homelessness charity Foursquare, the Scottish HR Leadership Group Operating Board, and sits on the Edinburgh Napier Business School Advisory Board. She is also particularly passionate about supporting female-founded startups as an angel investor and mentor. NFU Scotland would like to thank Fraser Lyle at Carlyle for assisting in this search and looks forward to welcoming Gill onboard. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_4hpUXp #Hired #NewAppointment