Issue - meetings

Presentation by Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS)

Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), provided the Group with information around the impacts of Brexit and current affairs on their activities. Lucy advised that the implications of Brexit were still somewhat unclear, however there were huge challenges around the removal of the Common Agricultural Policy. She noted that many of the impacts of Brexit had been clouded or compounded by the impact of Covid-19, and the effects of both were difficult to disentangle across a number of sectors.

Lucy advised that there were national concerns around new trade agreements and the potential for them to disadvantage the agriculture industry and result in lower industry standards. She confirmed that there was potential for better outcomes for farmers, and the Scottish Government would be setting out new policies in due course outlining support schemes. It was noted that the recent agreement between the Scottish National Party and Scottish Greens was likely to have implications, but these were as yet unknown.

Lucy advised that some noticeable effects of Brexit locally had included labour shortages and an increase in costs for materials, machinery and parts, as well as a decrease in the availability of same. She also advised that changes in the export requirements for sheep to Northern Ireland would have a big impact on the local sheep market in Argyll. It was noted that lamb and beef prices remained strong and there had been an increased interest in buying local produce which was encouraging for the industry. Lucy also advised that government incentives for helping people into workplaces and assistance with apprenticeships was positive.

Lucy summarised that overall, farmers in Argyll were reliant on national policies being put in place and provided details of a number of upcoming policies and bills. Lucy also provided information around regional land use partnerships; the effects of climate change and biodiversity targets on land and agriculture; the potential for further land reform bills; and input to a local Argyll and Bute food and drink strategy.

Lucy noted that change was inevitable for the industry due to the impacts of Brexit, Covid-19, and the climate change/biodiversity crisis and there were still many unknowns. It was noted that this could cause difficulties with future planning, however there were also the potential for new opportunities. Lucy confirmed that she would be happy to return and speak to the Group at a later point around any other issues which may be of interest.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.