Seminar looks to the future

Afree seminar on the direction of agricultural policy, natural capital and planning for the future is being held at the Thainstone Centre next Thursday evening.

The Autumn Future of Farming Scotland Update featuring a panel of speakers from Virgin Money, Johnson Carmichael, Strutt & Parker and Ledingham Chalmers will debate the challenges of new subsidy regimes and the carbon-neutral agenda.

Brian Richardson, head of agriculture at Virgin Money, will discuss why it is vital for both the agricultural industry and individual businesses to adapt to a post-brexit world, against a background of climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

He said: “When facing any challenge, it is always helpful to get together with others in the same situation and share experience and knowledge.

“Farmers are still reeling from the effects of Brexit, the pandemic, and now with the change in emphasis with regards to government subsidies, we are doing all we can to ensure the agriculture sector adapts and thrives in this new environment.

“The sector is now at a turning point, with a necessity to operate more efficiently while also addressing the critical challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in businesses.

“Facing these objectives has proved to be another way of making a farming operation forward-facing and fit for the future.”

Mary Munro, director and head of farming in Scotland for Strutt & Parker, will look at the conflicting demands on land use and the direction of current agricultural policy, and Gary Webster from Ledingham Chalmers will explore key legal issues and new registration requirements that farmers need to be aware of, as well as natural capital, and how the concept might link with farming in the future.

Jane Mitchell, business advisory director at Johnston Carmichael, will give an update on current profitability, a summary of the proposals for Basis Period Reform in the rural sector, along with what businesses should be looking at for forward planning.

The session will be chaired by Jenn Stewart, head of rural at Johnston Carmichael.

The free event will run from 6-8pm. To book a place contact Jcevents@ jcca.co.uk

Picture by Steve Brown. FINANCIAL VIEW: Brian Richardson, UK head of agriculture.