Union leader looks to future at SNP conference

The Scottish farming industry’s impressive track record of adopting agri-technology has been spelled out to delegates at an SNP conference fringe event.

Farmers’ union leader Andrew McCornick told the meeting, attended by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing and Craig Michie, of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, that the industry was taking steps to change as it prepared for a post-Brexit future and life beyond the Common Agricultural Policy.

But he said while agri-technology could assist the industry to a point, skilled and trained staff will be required for profitable and productive farming for the foreseeable future.

“Robots or machinery can’t replace people on the ground, and for particular tasks like fruit picking, we will still need people to do these jobs,” he said.

“Innovation and technology can be the gateway to change, but that requires the buy-in and the investment from farmers.

“They need to be reassured that cost and investment in technology will generate a return.”

Mr McCornick also pointed out that productivity measures such as investment in innovative agricultural practices and technology increased knowledge exchange and improved technical and managerial skills were required to increase the viability and competitiveness of all sectors.

NFU Scotland’s autumn conference in Birnam will include sessions on taking the steps to change and, in November, the union will hold a series of 13 regional roadshow events throughout Scotland to develop members’ views on the “Steps to Change” discussion document.