NFU Scotland and Ewing head-tohead goes digital
The traditional“state of the nation” head to head debate between Scotland’s rural economy secretary and the president of NFU Scotland will remain the centrepiece of this year’s Agriscot event, despite the move to a digital platform.
And the organisers of the event yesterday said that the usual “gloves off ” debate would be only one par t of what they termed a packed programme of seminars and discussion, which will be available on Wednesday November 18 when the first ever online A gr iS cot event takes place.
But they added that while delegate login was available for those wishing to tune in, this was available on a first come first served basis and advised prospect iv ed elegates to register early to ensure access to the full programme for free.
“With no physical space restrictions, we can stage a real variety of content, from seminars on bu siness sustainability, to exclusive product in novation insights and from panel sessions to po li tical proclamations !” said Agris cot chairman Rob - er t Neill.
The event kicks off at
9 am on November 18 with an introduction from Mr Neill while the seminar pro - gramme starts with a session hosted by Scottish Forestry, followed by a Barclays Bank business discussion.
The Champion of the Decade in the Super Cow and Super Heifer competitions will also be announced at 10am – this competition pits the Agriscot champions from 2 010 -2019 against each other, with the ultimate winner chosen by the voting public.
QMS will host a workshop focusing on maximising returns through hitting target carcass specifications while Glasgow Vet School will look at antimicrobial use on dairy farms.
At mid day the traditional Agriscot NFUS / Scotgov session will take place, with union President Andrew Mccornick and rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing each laying out their views on the big issues facing Scottish agriculture before opening up to audience questions.
“The Cabinet Secretary and
NFUS ‘state of the nation’ session at A gr iS cot is a massive draw for farmers and agri-business people and a key point in the rural calendar for taking stock and examining the big political and policy issues ahead,” said Neil who will chair the debate.
“I expect the demand for ‘seats’ and to submit a question for this session to be just as high in the virtual sphere as when we physically stage the event under normal circumstance.
"Again, I would encourage anyone wishing to log in for this session to register now, especially if they would like to ask questions and interact with the live discussion.”
“I have absolutely no doubt that, with the end of the B rex it transition period just six weeks after Agris cot takes place, we can expect a full and frank discussion on November 18.”
A gr iS cot organiser Marin Dare added :“We 100% hope to be back to welcome visitors to A gr iS cot at Inglis ton in November 2021.
"But in the meantime, for 2020, I would encourage would-be delegates to sign up now to make sure they do not miss out on the Agris cot experience.”