The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sturgeon to address NFUS
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to deliver a speech to farmers and crofters at NFU Scotland’s annual meeting in Glasgow next month.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing will also address delegates from across Scotland ahead of the union’s showcase dinner.
Conference debate will focus on Brexit, and the programme is expected to see agricultural and environmental stakeholders map out their vision for future farm support systems.
The conference will also see voting take place to elect a president and two vice-presidents, with six members contesting the election.
The union’s chief executive, Scott Walker, said he looked forward to the First Minister’s address at a key moment for the sector.
“Scotland’s farmers and crofters are the cornerstone of a food and drink sector justifiably lauded as one of Scotland’s economic success stories,” he said.
“Those producing the raw materials for our food and drink are the crucial element of what is now the nation’s largest manufacturing sector.
“They are also the lifeblood of our rural economy and responsible for the beautiful countryside and environment enjoyed by millions.
“However, the next 24 months will see this union negotiate some of the most challenging times it has ever faced in its 104-year history as we seek to capture opportunities for growth and put Scotland’s farmers and crofters on a path to profitability.” Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Andrew Naylor as managing director of the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), alongside his existing role as UK head of agriculture for Lloyds Bank.
The move follows the departure of Jonathan Allright, after 29 years with the group, and means that the two businesses through which Lloyds Banking Group serves the agriculture sector will now be under single leadership.
The bank said no changes were being made to the structure of the businesses, the nationwide network of regional agricultural managers or the products and services they offer to customers.
Mr Naylor said: “We are very proud of the support we provide to the UK’s agriculture sector through AMC, as well as the Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Agriculture business.”