Angus Council hopes to future-proof sector for post-brexit world

AGRICULTURE: Mercury initiative to include support for business start-ups

Cutting edge technology will be used to help the Angus agricultural sector flourish in a post-brexit world.

Robots on farms, renewable energy and a food testing site are all part of Angus Council’s vision for boosting the area’s fortunes when the multi-millionpound Tay Cities Deal is delivered.

The Mercury programme will also include support for business start-ups, offshore wind services, an electric vehicle charging point to plug the gap between Dundee and Aberdeen and zero-carbon housing.

The final signing of the Tay Cities Deal has suffered a series of setbacks, most recently the coronavirus pandemic. The UK and Scottish governments say they are working with partners to deliver the deal soon, but a firm date has yet to be announced.

The Mercury programme is built around three categories – clean growth, low carbon network and agri-tech

“The Mercury programme is a vital part of our capital expenditure programmes that will secure the economy for the future. DAVID FAIRWEATHER

innovation. Angus farms have faced a dwindling workforce since the Brexit referendum in 2016. However, drones and other robotics are being planned to help ensure food is not left to rot in the fields.

Agrico UK executive director Archie Gibson is also envisaging a Centre for Agriculture for Science and Innovation at Castleton of Eassie.

The £15 million scheme, which among other things would test the quality of potato seeds, could help boost Angus’ reputation for food production, he said.

Mr Gibson added: “There are many great industries in Angus, but agriculture really is the area’s biggest sector.

“By producing a quality centre we can test samples from crops across Scotland. It can guarantee the quality of produce and see the region become a world leader.”

Angus Council leader David Fairweather said the aim was to futureproof the local economy.

He said: “The Mercury programme is a vital part of our capital expenditure programmes that will secure the economy for the future.”

Angus Council has asked anyone else who would like to develop projects under the Mercury programme to contact its Tay Cities Deal manager Mark Davidson via Davidsonms@angus.gov.uk