Farmers’ ‘duty of care’ as rural events cancelled

IMPACT: NFUS president says agricultural fraternity must act responsibly

Farming and rural organisations have begun cancelling events in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick asked the union’s membership to not hold any meetings or gatherings until further notice.

“This is not an easy step to take as government guidelines are not at this level yet,” said Mr McCornick.

“However, this decision will allow us to take stock and behave responsibly for both our members and staff.”

He said the union was also considering whether or not to go ahead with a series of events on May 23 to celebrate Scottish food and farming.

“We, as a union and as individuals, have a duty of care for each other, and this cannot be lost in these unusual and exceptional circumstances,” he added.

“As every sector of society puts plans in place to mitigate the impact of the disease, the farming fraternity must act responsibly when it comes to limiting the spread of this virus.”

Many other events have also been postponed, including the Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) annual general meeting, which was due to take place in Inverness on Wednesday, and the Scottish Rural Awards. The awards were scheduled to take place on April 2 in Glasgow, and will now be held in November.

“

We, as a union and as individuals, have a duty of care for each other. ANDREW MCCORNICK

Meanwhile, organisers of the biggest agricultural event in Scotland – the Royal Highland Show which takes place in June and attracts almost 200,000 visitors – say the show is going ahead.

A spokeswoman for organisers Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) said: “RHASS is working alongside our partners and government agencies to look at if we can safely deliver the Royal Highland Show in 2020. This is a fluid and dynamic position and decisions relating to the event will always be governed by official policy and guidance.

“We will continue to take advice from the government and public health advisers.”

Picture: Ian Fleming. NFUS president Andrew McCornick has asked the union’s membership to cancel meetings and gatherings until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.