Hill farming’s future in the spotlight

That is the clear message to be delivered to farmers and crofters from across Scotland when they attend a conference in Oban on Wednesday September 30 and Thursday October 1.

With returns from hill farming under pressure, the conference will be looking at the future of this important sector of Scottish agriculture, with farmers and crofters joined by policy makers and funders to explore the opportunities for sheep and cattle producers.

The conference will open with a half day of farm visits including the Hill and Mountain Research Centre, Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms near Crianlarich. The second day will be held at the Scottish Marine Institute, Dunstaffnage, Oban. Speakers will include Jonnie Hall, NFU Scotland Director of Policy, who will outline what the changes to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support mean for hill farmers.

Speaking ahead of the event, John Semple, NFU Scotland Regional

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Board chairman said: ‘NFU Scotland is pleased to be involved in bringing this important national event to Oban. Hill farming is facing challenging times, with many hill farmers and crofters concerned what the implementation of the new CAP will mean for their businesses in the face of continuing price volatility and rising costs, but there are also opportunities.

‘The visits and debate over the two days will highlight some of the challenges and give everyone involved the opportunity to identify a sustainable way forward for hill farming, recognising all the economic and environmental benefits that active hill farming can deliver. In order to achieve this, the process needs to be driven by those farmers and crofters whose livelihoods are dependent on securing a viable income from Scotland’s hills.’

To book your place and for further information please contact Lucy Sumsion on 01499 600154 or email lucy. sumsion@ nfus.org.uk.

The future of hill farming is in your hands.”

NFU Scotland Regional Board

chairman