CANDIDATES in NFU Scotland's leadership elections hit the campaign trail this week, at the start of a series of hustings meetings up and down the country.

There was a great turnout of farmers in Stepps for the first event of the nine-day tour featuring the six candidates seeking election as either president or vice president.

Chaired by the newly elected regional chairman for the Forth and Clyde region, Willie Harper of Gryffe Wraes, Bride of Weir, the meeting kicked off with the presidential candidates pitching their line on why they should get the top job.

Wigtownshire farmer Andrew McCornick was first up, explaining that he believes Scotland wants profit driven, innovative and sustainable agriculture, and that the industry needs to show how important it is in its own right: "We need to get profitability, costs, and market access right. We need to make a solid case for ourselves within the EU."

Current president Allan Bowie bid for re-election by citing his experience, support, and industry understanding. He admitted that although he may not have worked quickly enough for some people in his first term, he has already been working towards the challenges thrown up by Brexit: “There will be challenges ahead to work for the right deal and policies for Scottish agriculture and I want to be part of those discussions, continuing my leadership role over the next two years."

The final presidential contender, Borders farmer Rob Livesey, explained that he was desperate for the chance to show the industry what he can do: "I'm a team player" he explained, "I understand that people are important, and it is people that make the decisions that effect all of us.

"Market access is key in the world we now live in, and the future will revolve around Brexit, and how it effects this. We need as much opportunity as we can get, and I feel that I can help achieve this."

Hot on their heels were the vice-presidential candidates, with Martin Kennedy, from Highland Perthshire, kicking off by stating that he had four key issues he considered imperative – trade, support, red tape, and environment – but would work under the belief that if Scotland can get the first three points right, the fourth will take care of itself.

Stranraer dairy farmer, Gary Mitchell said that he believed NFUS members needed educated on what happens to their produce once it goes past their farm gate: "We need to spread a better understanding of what our markets are, and we need to sell our product better. We always seem to be on the back foot, and we need to sell our story better to benefit ourselves."

The evening's final speaker was Tom French, who farms at Crawfordjohn, Biggar. He highlighted a number of issues to be tackled in the current unclear political climate: "We are now committed to leaving Europe, and we may see fallout from leadership changes in other countries, but we first of all need to get out own house in order," he explained. "We need to be doing better with our industry marketing, and we need to educate the consumer as to the value of the farming industry, and I believe I'm someone that can help with this."

Voting for the presidency and the two vice-presidential posts will take place at the union’s council meeting in Glasgow on Tuesday, February 7, 2017.