The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gathering for new entrants to farming
Opportunities for new entrants to farming will be discussed at a national meeting later this month.
The event, at Perth Racecourse on Tuesday February 28, is being run by SAC Consulting on behalf of the Scottish Government’s new Farm Advisory Service.
The New Entrants to Farming Gathering runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm, with a keynote address by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing.
Event organiser Kirsten Williams of SAC Consulting said it would let new entrants of any age hear at first hand the Scottish Government’s thinking on the future for new businesses.
The other speakers include Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland chief executive Alan Laidlaw, and Scottish Pig Producers CEO Andy McGowan who will outline opportunities in the pig sector for new entrants.
Farmers will also share their stories, including soft-fruit growers Ross and Anna Mitchell of Castleton near Stonehaven; and Mark and Harriet Donald, who have a starter farm at Rhynaclach, Port of Menteith.
The meeting is free but booking is required. This can be done by contacting 01835 823222 or by sending an email to val.angus@sac.co.uk.
Meanwhile the future of Scottish agriculture after Brexit, and opportunities for rural youth, will be discussed at a meeting tomorrow.
The agri and rural affairs committee at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs has teamed up with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland to host a panel session looking at the implications of Brexit.
At the meeting, in the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston from 7-9pm, SAYFC’s David Lawrie will chair a panel of four industry experts who will present their view before taking questions.
The panellists are former MEP George Lyon, RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw, SAYFC agri and rural affairs committee chairwoman Sarah Allison, and ANM Group’s Farm Profit Programme adviser Declan Marren.