Issue - meetings

Presentation by Lucy Sumsion National Farmers Union, Argyll & the Islands Regional Manager

The Group considered a presentation, as attached to this minute, from Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), in relation to climate change and farming for the future.

Discussion focused on the diverse nature of farming in Argyll which includes large areas of extensive grazing. The Group noted that many lambs require to be moved to other areas of the country to be ‘finished’, currently this can only be achieved on a small scale in Argyll. The Group also noted there was a need for more collaborative working with farmers and local food initiatives to develop a consistency in supply.

Partners also focused on the two abattoirs in Argyll; one on Mull, which is operated by a collaboration of farmers, and one on Islay which had potential for improvements. The Group noted that the challenge nationally was to ensure economies of scale to be able to support all sectors involved.

In respect of funding since the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the Group noted that as agriculture is a devolved issue the Scottish Government had given a commitment to retain support until 2024. It was hoped that new support schemes would be developed to target activity rather than land area which was the focus of EU funding. This approach was being supported by the NFUS along with climate change and biodiversity.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group noted the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union Scotland dated 1 February 2022, tabled)