THE future for those farming and crofting in Scotland’s hills and mountains will be under consideration at a horizon-scanning event in later this month.
The day-long event is being organised jointly by the Lochaber Monitor Farm management group and NFU Scotland. It is open to all and will take place at the Moorings Hotel, Banvie, near Fort William on Friday, February 23, starting at 10.45am.
The aim of the meeting is to hear from a range of expert speakers and explore different views on the future use of Scotland’s hills and mountains – from the environmental perspective to the market opportunities.
Among the key speakers at the event will be Donald Cameron MSP, Laurent Vernet of Quality Meat Scotland, Claudia Rouse of Scottish Natural Heritage, and Johnnie Hall of NFU Scotland.
The idea to host the 'vision' meeting came from the Lochaber Monitor Farm management group. Lochaber is one of nine monitor farms established in Scotland as part of a joint initiative by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds with funding from the Scottish Government. The aim of the Monitor Farm programme is to help improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Scottish farm businesses.
“The meeting aims to provide a strategic overview of how land in Scotland’s hills and mountains will be used in the future and to hear from a range of different viewpoints,” said John MacAulay, local farmer and chairman of Lochaber Monitor Farm management group.
“A key focus will be identifying the public benefits delivered by active hill and mountain farming and crofting, and helping farmers and crofters explore the future of farming in this areas.”
John Dickson, Argyll and the Islands regional board chairman of NFU Scotland, added: “We are hoping for a strong turnout at this event which will also aim to identify what, and how, future policies and support mechanisms can underpin a viable hill and mountain farming and crofting sector.”
The event is free to attend and open to farmers and crofters but places are limited and booking is essential. To find out more and book a place contact SAC Consulting Oban on 01631 563093 or email fbsoban@sac.co.uk.
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