A NEW hub is to be launched at AgriScot to allow farmers to set up the connections needed to go into business with one another.

NFU Scotland will launch its Joint Venture Hub – a platform allowing farmers to collaborate and open up opportunities for their businesses – at the event on Wednesday, November 21.

Union president, Andrew McCornick, commented: “This Hub is recognition of the need for a service to aid options for use of land, not only for the next generation but also for those looking to step back from day-to-day duties on the farm.

“There is a generation of enthusiastic and talented young people who feel like they cannot get a foothold in agriculture thanks to the soaring price of land and a lack of land availability. At the same time, a huge number of farm owners are approaching retirement with no clear successor to run the operational side of their business, leaving them with the feeling they have no choice but to divide up and sell off the farm they have spent decades, even generations, building up," said Mr McCornick.

“NFUS believes the options available within the Joint Venture Hub allows individuals to identify what will work for them and with the specialist help of consultants, accountants and lawyers, this process is made easier and will allow them to explore different opportunities to see farming businesses thrive.”

The Joint Venture Hub, available via www.nfus.org.uk, will providesinformation on share farming, contract farming and tenancies, case studies and a map service where individuals can register to offer an opportunity or to advertise themselves when looking for an opportunity.