National Farmers' Union of Scotland : 23 January 17 - Scottish Conservative Leader to Address Union AGM

Article date:

23 January 2017

News Article Number:

13/17

Packed political programme for two-day Glasgow event also includes First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson MSP, has joined a packed political programme at NFU Scotland's AGM, annual dinner and conference being staged in Glasgow next month.

Speaking on the subject: 'Scotland in a post-Brexit Landscape', Ruth Davidson will close conference proceedings on Day One of the event (Monday 6 February), which is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.

It has already been confirmed that Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will address delegates the following morning (Tuesday 7 February).

Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing will also speak ahead of the Union's showcase annual dinner on the Monday evening before joining the First Minister the following morning for a question and answer session after the First Minister's speech.

The Union's AGM and conference comes at a time of great challenges and opportunities for Scotland's farming, food and drink sectors. Conference debate on the opening day will, justifiably, focus on Brexit as the UK edges closer to triggering Article 50. The exciting conference programme that day will also include sessions on how innovation may provide the key to farm businesses surviving and thriving and see agricultural and environmental stakeholders map out their vision for future farm support systems post-Brexit.

On Tuesday, voting for the positions of President and two Vice Presidential posts will take place at the Union's council meeting, with six members contesting the election.

Notes for Editors

• The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address NFU Scotland's Council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow at 10.30am on Tuesday 7 February 2017.
• Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing MSP will address guests at 7.15pm on Monday 6 February ahead of NFU Scotland's showcase annual dinner. Mr Ewing will also join the First Minister for a Question and Answer session with delegates following the First Minister's address on Tuesday 7 February.
• Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson MSP will conclude the conference proceedings on Monday 6 February, speaking at 3.45pm on 'Scotland in a post-Brexit Landscape'.
• Six candidates will contest the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections. Standing for President (in alphabetical order) are Allan Bowie, Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick. Standing for Vice President are Tom French, Martin Kennedy and Gary Mitchell. Members of NFU Scotland's Council - a body made up of representatives from each of the Union's 73 branches - will begin selecting the successful candidates at 8.45am on Tuesday 7 February. To read a short biography on each candidate and what their priorities are for the Union and Scottish agriculture click here: http://www.nfus.org.uk/node/17758
• Media interested in attending the event can email: [e-mail]

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006