FARMING needs to improve its ability to communicate with the general public.

That is the message that agricultural business consultant and social media pioneer Simon Haley will bring to the Farming Scotland Conference, taking place in Carnoustie on Thursday 13 February 2020.

Focussing on how farming can add value in a digital world, Mr Haley will highlight the importance of 'accessibility, educating and sharing', allowing the public to become better informed about what farmers do, how the food consumers eat is produced, and the impact farming has on wider society.

Referring to recent media coverage that has presented a negative picture of farming, he said: “If the farming community ignores the opportunities for sharing its story, others will fill the gap, often with negative or alternative agendas. Storytelling is such a powerful tool and the agriculture industry must utilise its full potential.”

Mr Haley has put his ideas into action over recent years, as the founder of online and social media channels such as as @AgriChatUK, @FarmersOfTheUK and www.eatfarmnow.com, and claims to have engaged thousands of people in 'telling, sharing and hearing farmers’ stories'.

He continued: “I’m looking forward to engaging with the delegates at the Farming Scotland Conference, many of whom will have their own strong farming stories to tell. They have an opportunity to communicate their passion, professionalism and purpose through visual elements that do so much more to explain the highs and lows of working in the rural sector.”

The Farming Scotland Conference takes place at Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa, Carnoustie, sponsored by EQ Chartered Accountants, Bell Ingram, Royal Bank of Scotland and Thorntons Solicitors.

For more information on the full programme, and to register, visit www.farmingscotlandconference.co.uk or contact Mary Campbell on (01307) 474274 or mary.campbell@eqaccountants.co.uk.