Weekly update – 29 January 2021

#NFUSHereForYou - Here to support you and your mental wellbeing Health and wellbeing are incredibly important. NFUS recognises that there is a lot of stress and pressure within the industry, and often a stigma associated with talking about your feelings - especially amongst men. The importance of articulating how you are feeling cannot be underestimated, and we have put together a handy list of the organisations out there that can offer help or support. Whether looking for yourself, or someone you know, the #NFUSHereForYou webpage can quickly point you in the right direction. Go to:

NFU Scotland | /nfushereforyou.aspx

All (virtual) roads lead to #NFUS2021 AGM, Conference and elections – 10, 11 and 12 February With our election hustings now complete, arrangements for the exciting programme for the conference and AGM is now available to view at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/about-nfus/agm-2021.aspx

• On Wednesday 10 February, we are delighted to host an exciting webinar with Tim Smith, chair of the newly created Trade and Commission – the body that will have oversight on the UK’s future trade deals. • On Thursday 11 February, outgoing President Andrew McCornick will give his final Presidential address before joining a panel of all UK Farming Union Presidents – Minette Batters, NFU; John Davies, NFU Cymru and Victor Chestnutt, UFU – to discuss Brexit, future trade deals and agricultural policy.

• On Friday 12 February, we have the excitement of our elections followed by our traditional address from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing.

To register a place at any of the sessions please click: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xok5BQ6xQYGBreTU-obdIQ More than 550 take part in virtual hustings Two weeks from now, we will know who the new officeholder team at NFUS and thanks to the incredible turnouts at our three virtual hustings meetings more than 550 members have had a chance to meet the candidates. As a reminder, the four nominations for the two Vice Presidential posts are (in alphabetical order):

• Andrew Connon, North Quilquox, Ythanbank, Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

• Willie Harper, Gryffewraes, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire.

• George Milne, Kinaldy, St Andrews, Fife.

• Robin Traquair, Wellington Farm, Millerhill, Dalkeith, Midlothian.

Current Vice President Martin Kennedy, who will stand unchallenged for the position of President, also took part in the virtual events.

• Videos of every hustings event as well as short videos and biographies for all five candidates are available on the Union’s website at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/nfus- elections-2021.aspx

As part of our online arrangements for our annual AGM and conference, the elections will take place at the Union’s virtual council meeting on Friday 12 February 2021, with online voting arrangements for council members in place.

In other news this week…

Scottish Budget sees lobbying on LFA secure funding commitment for 2021

CLOSING THIS WEEK – Views needed on AHDB five-year strategy

AECS 2021 opened on Monday

Animal Transport proposals – DEFRA deadline extended to 25 February

Improving broadband and mobile connectivity – webinar on Wed 17 February

Climate Change video competition + drone package up for grabs – deadline 1 March

Scottish Farm Business Survey – take part and get a free whole farm carbon audit

Land Matching Service getting round the country virtually + Allan joins the team

Dougie takes the Stalwart award in Argyll & The Islands Scottish Budget sees lobbying on LFA secure funding commitment for 2021 We welcomed funding commitments for 2021 made in yesterday’s Scottish Budget in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, its impact on the economy and the challenging post-EU transition period. While more detail will emerge in coming days, key announcements for the agricultural sector centred on support for Less Favoured Areas, the Agricultural Transformation Fund and the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme in 2021. However, longer term commitments to funding beyond the current year will continue to be sought by NFUS. Headline figures for 2021 in the announcement are the following:

• Less Favoured Areas Support reinstated to its 2018 level of £65 million.

• £40m Agriculture Transformation Fund

• £34.2 for AECS

• Uplift in spending for Scotland Food and Drink Industry Support, Local authorities, Commission, Animal Health

• Support for tree planting, peatland restoration and connectivity

Covid-19 compliance remains crucial for farmers and crofters Farmers and crofters need to be more concerned now about the safety of themselves, their families and their staff than ever before.

• We urge all farmers and crofters to avoid complacency, keep up your guard and re- visit the guidance for farmers and crofters produced by Scottish Government at: https://bit.ly/2K2aEr0 to keep businesses running and stock looked after. • Keeping our markets, abattoirs and processing going throughout the Covid-19 outbreak has been a major achievement but this new variant of the virus and the latest spike means the need for compliance is even more essential if we are to avoid closures or partial shutdowns at these essential sites. The latest guidance for those attending markets can be found at: https://iaas.co.uk/iaas-updates-covid-19-auction- mart.../

AECS 2021 opened on Monday After a significant lobbying effort by NFU Scotland, Scottish Government confirmed that there would be a further round of the Agri-environment Climate Scheme (AECS) for 2021, albeit on a partial and limited basis. Applications for the 2021 AECS round opened on 25 January 2021 and close on 30 June 2021. Improving Public Access (IPA) will be open for applications from 1 March until 30 June 2021. Before applying for this scheme, applicants should read the rules and information for individual options and capital items at: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all- schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/

Animal Transport proposals – DEFRA deadline extended to 25 February There are 2 consultations currently taking place which could have significant implications for how we move and transport livestock in the UK and Scotland. It is vital that NFUS and its members respond robustly to these consultations to ensure the UK and Scottish Governments take an evidence led, practical approach to any changes in the Livestock Transport Regulations.

NFUS has held two virtual meeting to discuss the potential impacts of the proposals, and thanks the hundreds of members who took part to help inform the NFUS response.

Full details on the consultations and a video of the webinar are on a dedicated section of our website at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/animal-transport-in-scotland--have-your-say.aspx

Please feed any thoughts or evidence through to Penny Middleton at [email protected]

Improving broadband and mobile connectivity across Scotland – webinar on Wednesday 17 February 2021 from 12.00-13.15 We know that digital and mobile connectivity is a priority for our members and emerging results from the NFUS Connectivity survey have highlighted this. We’d be delighted if you could join us at this short lunchtime webinar to find out more about how the Scottish Government will seek to improve access to superfast broadband and mobile services. This event will be hosted by NFU Scotland and chaired by Tom French, Chair of Legal & Technical Committee, and is open to all members.

Reserve your place here to avoid disappointment: https://bit.ly/38JIeeR

Please submit any questions in advance to: [email protected] by 10 February.

Keep in touch with your politicians Whilst Covid-19 continues to restrict us from meeting MPs and MSPs in person, NFU Scotland continues to represent you in both Holyrood and Westminster on the many different issues and challenges facing the sector just now.

For an update on the political issues which NFU Scotland is working on in the (virtual) parliaments just now, visit our website and download the latest Key Political Issues briefing from our Political Affairs Manager, Clare Slipper: https://www.nfus.org.uk/policy/parliamentary/how-to-lobby-your-politicians.aspx

Climate Change video competition with drone package up for grabs – Deadline extended to 1 March NFU Scotland and its Next Generation are searching for Scotland's climate farming champion with the support of Royal Bank of Scotland. Entrants should record a three-minute video telling our judging panel, Ben Macpherson, Claire Taylor from the Scottish Farmer, and Next Generation Chair Peter Moss, the steps they've taken to tackle climate change, and why they think these are important, for a chance to win a SoilEssentials package and a state-of-the-art drone. Because of the recent poor weather, the closing date has been extended to me March. More information available here: https://www.nfus.org.uk/news/news/deadline-extended-for-video-competition-to-find-climate- friendly-farming-champion

Do you have the right Brexit arrangements in place? Visit our step-by-step guide now As traders adapt to new export rules following the start of the new UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, implications and issues continue to arise in a live environment. Members should ensure they have all the correct arrangements in place with their suppliers and customers to prepare for possible impacts for agricultural business.

We have distilled all the available guidance on our Step-by-Step guide. Visit https://www.nfus.org.uk/policy/brexit.aspx and have your membership number handy to access the resources.

Also, this week, the UK Government’s Business Department has launched a series of new, on demand videos to help businesses familiarise themselves with the new rules and the actions they should take. Businesses can find out more about 18 topics, including importing and exporting, trade, data, and audit and accounting. Register now to immediately access the video content.

South of Scotland Survey South of Scotland Enterprise is seeking the views of South of Scotland businesses on any Brexit issues they are currently experiencing through a short survey. The survey is available via this link - www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RM87B3L - and will be open for an extended period to allow businesses to provide their views whenever they experience any issues. The feedback will be used by South of Scotland Enterprise to consider how it can tailor the support it provides to meet local business requirements.

Coronavirus webpages To keep members as up to date as possible during these uncertain times, a reminder that NFU Scotland set up a dedicated coronavirus section on its website which has topped 163,000 visits. With info on jobs, support, assistance etc, one of the most popular sections has been our Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page which is updated regularly by our hard-working policy team. https://www.nfus.org.uk/coronavirus/coronavirusqa.aspx.

Temporary closure of QPP abattoir in Brechin Due to the impact of Covid-19, the decision was taken last Friday evening that it would be in the best interests of the health and safety to temporarily halt operations at the pig processing site in Brechin for a period of two weeks, commencing Saturday 23 January. NFU Scotland remains in close contact with QPP and will assist the company and its pig producers where necessary.

Generation Scotland’s RuralCovidLife results released – thank you to those who took part More than 3,000 people in rural communities across Scotland took part in Generation Scotland’s RuralCovidLife. It was designed to investigate the psychological, social and financial effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on people living in rural areas. The study found that the number of young adults, who say they are lonely, is substantially higher than the majority of elder members of their communities. 32% of those aged 18 to 29 said they felt lonely most or all of the time. This compares with 3% in the 70 to 79 age group, and 8% of the total surveyed.

Internet connectivity is an issue for many with 19% of those surveyed reporting that their current broadband connections were either poor or very poor. 87% said that high-speed broadband was very important to be able to work from home.

Read the full report here: Rural voices heard as first RuralCovidLife results published | The University of Edinburgh

Scottish Farm Business Survey – take part and get a free whole farm carbon audit You may receive a letter in the next two weeks asking you to participate in the Scottish Farm Business Survey (SFBS). The Survey is recognised as the most authoritative annual financial analysis of farming businesses in Scotland. It is a key data source for important national statistics that inform Scottish Government agricultural policy making. Outputs include: Profitability of Scottish Farming and Whole Farm Benchmarks Tool

Participation is voluntary, and all data is anonymised. In exchange for your most recent set of annual accounts and a follow up call of less than 2 hours you will get your own:

• Farm Business Report: a detailed set of management accounts for your own business. • Whole Farm Benchmark Report: A business planning tool that allows you to compare your business with other similar businesses in Scotland • A whole farm carbon audit: performed in Agrecalc, which may also help with grant applications. It is particularly interested to hear from smaller beef and sheep units with turnover of £30- £100k but if these benefits for your business are of interest to any business of any size please get in touch with Sascha Grierson, Project Manager, SAC Consulting e: [email protected] Click here for more information

Scottish Land Matching Service getting round the country virtually + Allan joins the team The SLMS team are really pleased to have recently had the opportunity to speak, via Zoom, to the South of Scotland Border Valuers' Association and the Keith and District Discussion Group. If there are any other groups who would like to hear more about the Service, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch at: [email protected] or call: 07741 902648.

Allan Young has also joined the SLMS team working alongside Ian Davidson. Allan brings a wealth of experience to the role having grown up on a livestock farm near to Castle Douglas and working with the Department of Agriculture across the country. Read the latest SLMS blog at: https://slms.scot/january-update-from-slms/

Invitation to participate from QMS - Scottish Beef Sector Strategy through to 2030 Scotland Food and Drink Partnership’s “Ambition 2030” shares a Vision of Scotland’s Farming, Fishing and Food and Drink sectors being recognised at home and abroad as models of collaboration and a world leader in responsible, profitable growth.

As Scotland’s beef industry, with its grass-based production systems and iconic Scotch Beef brand, is part of achieving that vision, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), has been asked to lead on defining the Strategy for Scotland’s Beef Sector through to 2030. The project is being governed by an industry-wide Steering Group supported by a QMS team, led by Douglas Bell, Director of Strategic Engagement. To assist the Steering Group, QMS is seeking input from across the Scottish beef supply chain, from individuals and organisations willing to share their knowledge, experience, and insights to:

• Highlight and build on the current strengths throughout the supply chain,

• Seek to develop solutions to current issues and barriers,

• Identify opportunities for growth and development, and

• Determine the type of support necessary to achieve the vison of globally respected and valued Scottish beef, which is sustainable from an economic, social, and environmental perspective.

For further information or if you would like to take part, please email Christine Beaton, Project Co-ordinator at [email protected] QMS highlight livestock cleanliness This week QMS has issued a news release to highlight the issue of cattle cleanliness. In the release QMS has said it is calling for producers to ensure that livestock presented for slaughter are in a clean and dry condition to ensure maximum financial returns. The full release can be found here: https://www.qmscotland.co.uk/news/farmers-reminded-livestock-cleanliness-can-benefit- their-bottom-line

Red Tractor Standards Every three to four years, Red Tractor reviews its standards to ensure that they evolve in a way that addresses changes in legislation, best practice, and reflects the emerging issues on consumer’s minds. A consultation on this process has now opened and will run until 5 March. NFUS will be submitting a formal response, however we encourage all members to respond directly. Red Tractor have created a consultation hub in order to assist the process, which has all the supporting documents and questions available for review before submitting your responses. If you want to respond via NFUS please contact stuart.martin@:nfus.org.uk before Friday 26th February

AHDB Levy Payer update

CLOSING THIS WEEK – Views needed on AHDB five-year strategy AHDB is consulting on a new five-year strategy for 2021-2026. Changes proposed focus on significantly improving levy payers’ engagement and say on AHDB priorities for their sector and crop, including how much levy is collected and where it is spent. Delivering value for money and designing a modern levy system is at the heart of the future, starting with horticulture and potatoes. Also included is a commitment to a ballot every five years on the future of the levy, ensuring levy payers have a greater say in designing AHDB work programmes and priorities.

The full AHDB strategy and proposed sector plans are published for consultation and can be found online at www.ahdb.org.uk/strategy. The closing date for feedback is 31 January 2021. Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

AHDB Horticulture Ballot AHDB Horticulture levy payers should now have received the information on how to vote in the ballot on the continuation of AHDB Horticulture. Growers are encouraged to vote as the results will determine whether the work undertaken on behalf of the sector will continue or end. The deadline to vote is midnight on 12 February.

AHDB Potatoes ‘What do I get for my levy?’ Town Hall Meetings 4-25 February In advance of the AHDB Potatoes ballot the Sector Board is running a series of on-line town hall meetings giving the opportunity to submit questions and speak to the AHDB team. The meetings are running each Thursday in February. For more details and to book go to this link: https://ahdb.org.uk/potatoes-town-hall.

New Baked Potato Campaign to start next month A new campaign is to be launched by AHDB this February, with the humble jacket potato at its heart. ‘The New Packed Lunch’ campaign will run for a six-week period from 1 February 2021, using a suite of new digital adverts to gain maximum reach. The series of videos will demonstrate the ease and speed of part microwaved and oven baked jacket potatoes, all finished with a variety of toppings. The campaign will run across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest with video content aiming to encourage as many consumers as possible to enjoy the nutritional, flavoursome and versatile qualities of the jacket potato. AHDB’s first Tik Tok account has been set up to provide further support. Consumers will be directed to a campaign page on the newly refreshed Love Potatoes website.

Agronomy Winter Roadshows go digital The remaining annual Agronomy Winter Roadshows hosted by AHDB, SRUC and FAS, which run from 10 am - 1.30 pm each Wednesday until 10 February, are: 3rd February - Soil Health; 10th February - Strategic Potato Farm Scotland results day. To see the full programme of each event and to book your space, visit www.fas.scot/events/

Into Politics or the Environment? Then we are hiring! NFU Scotland is on the lookout for a Political Affairs Manager and a Policy Manager – Environmental Resources

As Political Affairs Manager, you will maximise our influence amongst government and parliamentary audiences, in Holyrood and Westminster, ensuring that political decision makers act to support Scottish agriculture. NFU Scotland is the ‘go to’ organisation on rural affairs issue, with a proven track record of influence at the highest levels of government. As our Political Affairs Manager, you will maintain and build on our existing profile to ensure that we have the relationships that will enhance our influence, reputation and profile in Holyrood and Westminster.

We are also looking for an enthusiastic and talented new team member who will interact with policy makers to shape the future of Scottish agricultural policy on behalf of farmers, growers and crofters in Scotland. This post will cover aspects of environmental compliance such as NVZ, water abstraction and pollution controls, but will also cover biodiversity. It is an incredible opportunity to Influence legislation, regulation, commercial practice and public debate around environmental issues to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.

Please share - For more information go to https://www.nfus.org.uk/about- nfus/vacancies.aspx. Patrick ‘of the Hills’ The recent passing of hill farming legend Patrick Gordon Duff Pennington has brought a flood of fantastic tributes to the man and his life. Patrick, who spent time as Hill Farming Convener at NFU Scotland, was revered for his commitment, style and wit when representing the industry he loved. His Dumfries and Stewartry Presidency in the mid-1970s led to him being made an Honorary President of the Dumfries and Stewartry Area following his term in office. Some lovely recollections of the man in this Scotsman obituary at: https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/obituary-patrick-gordon-duff- pennington-shepherd-and-deputy-lieutenant-cumbria-3104362

Mutual’s Post-Grad Centenary Award now open NFU Mutual’s annual Centenary Award is now open for applications. The award provides bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected students who are undertaking a postgraduate course in agriculture (Masters or PhD) within the UK. The Centenary Award was created by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual’s 100th birthday. To date, 43 agricultural students have received bursaries to help further their studies.

The award is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, and have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a Masters or PhD course in agriculture in the UK, in autumn 2021.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has identified three topics of interest for eligible students. At least one of these areas must form part of the applicant’s postgraduate course: sustainable agriculture and climate change; international agricultural development; the application of science and innovative technology to the agricultural industry.

Prospective postgraduate students who think they may be eligible to apply for the Centenary Award in 2021 should contact [email protected] to request further details and an application form.

The closing date for the 2021 award is 30th April. Information about the scheme, along with an application form, can be found on the NFU Mutual website: www.nfumutual.co.uk

Opening in the Thurso office We are looking for a self-motivated individual to join our thriving Thurso agency as a Business Partner! Thurso is combined with our Dingwall office. The current partnership has been in place for 5 years, and benefits from being both an experienced partnership and team. You’ll also play a major role in the farming community as your areas NFU Scotland Group Secretary, championing local farmers’ interests, arranging local meetings and events, recruiting and retaining members, and keeping them up-to-date on Union policy. If you enjoy building long lasting relationships, are driven to succeed, have a strong knowledge of farming, crofting or the rural sector, and can work from the Thurso office then we want to hear from you. For more information head over to the vacancies section of the NFUS website: https://buff.ly/2RPKBCZ

Dougie takes the Stalwart award Inveraray farmer Dougie Ford is year’s recipient of the Stalwart award, presented annually by NFU Scotland’s Argyll & the Islands region. The award, created in 2016 and awarded for the first time in 2017, recognises those who have given time and effort to the work of the Union in Argyll & the Islands or have made a significant contribution to agriculture in the area.

Dougie has spent a lifetime in farming, initially in Ayrshire, and for more than 40 years in Argyllshire. During that time, he has been an active and participating member of NFU Scotland’s Mid Argyll branch.

Regional Chairman Duncan Macalister said: “Dougie Ford is a very worthy recipient of this award because he has spent a lifetime encouraging and mentoring young people in North Argyll to achieve a career in agriculture."

In proposing Mr Ford for the award, inaugural winner Sybil MacPherson said: “Dougie’s amazing knowledge of people and his ability to connect with young folk has, over the years, provided both education for youngsters, and equally importantly, given a home and moral guidance to numerous young people who had an interest in agriculture but also required a friend and mentor.”