IT WAS probably just as well there were no elections at last week's NFU Scotland agm in St Andrews, as there were many meaty - and some would aver more important - matters up for debate.

For example, UK minister George Eustice made some vague promises (once again) over convergence uplift and meat levy repatriation - and only time will tell if both are ever paid in full, not at all, or, most likely, severely diluted.

Land reform was debated much in the chambers and in the bars, but a union membership consensus seems as far away as ever.

Aligned contracts for beef and sheep production were high on the agenda, with the vast majority of milk-minded delegates correctly warning that it is a conquer and divide strategy that benefits the few, discriminates against the majority and cannot possibly be for the long term good of the industry.

The union has long been criticised for its new entrants policy and a vain effort was made to turn the CabSec's question time into a forum for the young. A look round the room at the age profile of the vast majority of attendees and it was easy to see how forlorn a hope that was, save for the contribution of one young lady whose involvement the audience was assured was not contrived!

Last up, of course, was the CabSec's oration which was principally devoted to the debacle over the delay in Basic Farm Payments.

He apologised, said he was sorry, and fully accepted the "current system is not good enough", and pulled a £20m rabbit out the hat in the form of interest free hardship loans. But there was also a barb for NFUS when he quoted the union telling him, in 2014, not to focus "solely on what fits computer systems and the payment date." He was not challenged on the veracity of this quote at any time during the debate.

However, the rural affairs department of the Scottish Government not only has to get this mess sorted out as quickly as possible, it must then ensure that it is a one-off. After all, we are less than three months away from when another set of forms must be filled in. The industry will certainly not thole a repeat performance.

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