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New policies and mind sets are required to address the unprecedented challenges facing agriculture due to Brexit, the Agriculture Champions have warned. The four Agriculture Champions were appointed last year with a remit to advise on the development of a new strategy for the sector. In their final report, the champions call for a two-stage, long-term vision based on what the public wants and values in Scottish farming. Read the full article | |
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We previously stated that Rural Issues was ending in April 2018 in its current format as we move to a new system. However, we will be keeping the current system for another couple of months. We're making this change because the law around how we hold and use subscriber information is changing. This also means that, if you want to continue to hear from us, you will need to re-subscribe by August. Please register using the link below. Read the full article | |
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Rural Secretary "disappointed" in delay. A review into the £160 million in CAP funding owed to Scottish hill farmers is to be delayed. Despite agreeing to conduct a review following pressure from the Scottish Government, the UK Government has now written to Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing informing of the open ended delay. Read the full article | |
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Review by Tenant Farming Commissioner to Scottish Ministers makes recommendations to improve relationships between land agents, tenants and landlords. Nine recommendations for action were suggested with most of them relating to the need to improve interpersonal skills through more training, assessment and feedback mechanisms. Read the full article | |
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Land access is a critical barrier for new entrants to agriculture in Scotland. A report written by the James Hutton Institute suggests that existing farmers and landowners are well placed to offer greater opportunities to new entrants and enhance their owned business at the same time. Read the full article | |
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Statistics on Organic land in Scotland were published on 17 May 2018, with a new layout designed to show the story behind the statistics. If you have any feedback about the new publication style please contact agric.stats@gov.scot Read the full article | |
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Are you a farmer, forester or crofter in Scotland? Do you have ideas for your business but you're not sure what to do next? The Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) will provide you with a facilitator whose job it is to get your idea off the ground. They will form a working group, bringing in members from any useful sector, and help you trial and test options until you have a viable project plan. You can use that plan to apply for funding or just to get started. Get in touch via our website or call Analy Hannah on 0131 666 2474. Read the full article | |
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A lot of new content and events have gone on our website in the past month. We know how busy farmers are so if you're just after a quick watch then check out our work on Skye helping to promote how crofters and farmers can create a better environment for corncrakes to boost their numbers. If you're in and around Angus, the third and final meeting of our Soil and Nutrient Network farm meeting will be taking place near Forfar. Finally, if you've got a bit more time to sit down and think about the long-term, then have a look at our strategic planning business tool. Read the full article | |
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The Scottish Government will continue to support and invest in the rural economy despite Brexit, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said at the 20th National Economic Forum in Dumfries. With 97% of Scotland's land mass classed as rural, the theme of the forum is 'driving forward the rural economy'. Read the full article | |
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