Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP, will address delegates at National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland’s National Conference in Glasgow.
The conference, held on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th February, will focus on what the future could hold for Scottish agriculture and how Scotland’s agricultural sector can grasp the opportunities for growth.
Also confirmed to speak at the conference are:
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill MP
- Colin Campbell, James Hutton Institute CEO
- Mark Suthern, commissioner on the recent Farm Assurance Review and former director of Agriculture at Barclays
- Max Schulman, a Finnish farmer and Copa-Cogeca chairman of Cereals and Oilseeds Working Group
- George Eustice, Former Secretary of State at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture, Tesco Plc.
Ministers confirm attendance
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP, have confirmed their attendance at the conference. The ministers will accompany the First Minister as he makes his key note address and will be available for subsequent audience questions.
The Union’s national Conference is a two-day event which will incorporate Union business in the form of its AGM and Council meeting, along with an annual dinner, in addition to a packed schedule of presentations and debate. This year, elections will also be held to appoint the next president and vice-presidents of the Union.
The Union’s outgoing president Martin Kennedy and CEO John Davidson will also take to the conference stage to deliver key Union updates in their own individual addresses.
NFU Scotland CEO, John Davidson, said: “We are delighted that for the second year running, Scotland’s First Minister will be addressing delegates at the NFU Scotland’s National Conference. This event is a long-established highlight of the Scottish agricultural calendar and provides an excellent platform to discuss developments and concerns within our industry.
“Confirmation of multiple political, market and industry expert guest speakers, is testament to our renowned Scottish farming and crofting industry. Attendance from each of these individuals will assist our goal to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for our fantastic industry. We are all looking forward to hearing from each of them.
“This will be a packed event however there are still some delegate places and sponsorship opportunities available. Members are encouraged to go to our website nfus.org.uk to book online soon to avoid missing out.”
