Brexit top of the agenda at new forum

Brexit was top of the agenda at the first meeting of the new Tenant Farming Advisory Forum.

The forum was established by Scotland’s tenant farming commissioner, Bob McIntosh, as a platform to discuss issues affecting the tenant farming sector.

It will help advise Mr McIntosh on the priorities for the codes of practice he will issue as well as the areas in which he should commission research and investigative studies.

Forum members will also inform Mr McIntosh of the barriers preventing a thriving tenant farming sector.

Mr McIntosh said the first meeting of the forum had been productive, with a particular focus on the implications of Brexit.

“The forum will have a crucial role to play in looking ahead and identifying and advising on the repercussions of Brexit for the tenant farming sector,” he added.

“It is important to have a forum where all of the industry bodies can come together, keeping important issues at the forefront and working to secure the future of the tenant farming sector and the vital contribution it makes to Scotland’s rural economy.”

Forum membership includes representatives from a range of industry bodies including the Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association, Scottish Land and Estates, NFU Scotland, the Scottish Agricultural and Valuers Association, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Agriculture Law Association and Scottish Government.

Meanwhile, the first meeting of the Government’s National Council of Rural Advisers has been hailed a success by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing. The council was set up by Mr Ewing at the Royal Highland Show in June.

It is co-chaired by Highlands and Islands Enterprise chairman and Harper Macleod law firm founding partner and chairman Lorne Crerar, and Fife farmer and consultant Alison Milne.

Productive – Bob McIntosh.