Top politicians join packed NFUS event programme

THE leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson MSP, has joined a packed political programme at NFU Scotland’s AGM, annual dinner and conference being staged in Glasgow next month.

Speaking on the subject ‘Scotland in a post-Brexit landscape’, Ms Davidson will close conference proceedings on day one of the event on Monday February 6, which is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

It has already been confirmed that Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will address delegates the following morning (Tuesday February 7 ).

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, will also speak ahead of the union’s showcase annual dinner on the Monday evening before joining the First Minister the following morning for a question and answer session after the her speech.

The union’s AGM and conference comes at a time of great challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s farming, food and drink sectors.

Conference debate on the opening day will, justifiably, focus on Brexit as the UK edges closer to triggering Article 50.

The exciting conference programme that day will also include sessions on how innovation may provide the key to farm businesses surviving and thriving, and see agricultural and environmental stakeholders map out their vision for future farm support systems post-Brexit.

On Tuesday, voting for the positions of president and two vice-presidential posts will take place at the union’s council meeting, with six members contesting the election.