Never has there been such engagement from NFU Scotland with politicians north and south of the border as there is at present, according to vice-president Martin Kennedy: “As a union representing all our members and covering all sectors, we are fully aware that the uncertainty of Brexit negotiations is giving great cause for concern.

“After almost 45 years of agricultural reliance on the EU, especially when it comes to protecting our markets and providing budget certainty, we now find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. When it comes to trade negotiations, we are very much the new kids on the block. This is the part where, unless there are skilled and savvy negotiations, other countries will take advantage.

“There are some very clever individuals involved when it comes to the political process, but all too often decisions are made on how many votes this will secure, rather than what would be the best thing to do for the economy or the environment.

“Meeting those that make decisions gives us the opportunity to highlight the opportunities that can be seized to benefit our industry, the economy and the environment. More importantly, it gives us the chance to highlight the impact that unintended consequences could have on food and farming.

“Trade deals and budget allocation will have a massive impact on the future of farming and crofting in Scotland, and it’s imperative that we are in the room so that decisions are well informed.

“Scotland has a world-leading reputation for animal welfare and crop production standards and to be sold out to trade deals that allow products of lower standards to undermine our markets – in effect exporting our standards – would be a disaster for productive farming and crofting. If our political engagement has been strong, then our membership engagement in the past 18 months has been exceptional, making sure we take our members with us every step of the way down a very uncertain path.

“I would appeal to all those who are not members to recognise the tireless effort put in by the whole team and consider supporting us to ensure our voice and your voice is heard and listened to by those who will ultimately make the decisions that will carve our future.”

Government consultation

The union responded to the UK Government’s consultation, entitled Health and Harmony: The Future for Food, Farming and the Environment in a Green Brexit, calling for the unique needs of the Scottish agricultural industry to be recognised in the development of any new agricultural policy framework. While most of the consultation is England-only, there are elements which were of interest to Scotland.

Annual charity event

The fifth annual Joe Watson charity stockjudging and social evening is being held this Friday (18 May) at Derek and Anne Bruce’s farm at Dorsell near Alford. The event, which is in memory of the popular Press and Journal journalist who passed away in 2014, is hosted by a different northeast branch every year, with Dee Don getting the opportunity this year.

Wide vehicle dispensation

Do it now! Members are reminded to ensure that they apply for wide vehicle dispensations well before harvest time. The dispensation system means that members with wide vehicles avoid having to notify Scottish police for each individual vehicle movement. Details are available on the members section of the website at www.nfus.org.uk

New food and drink award

NFU Mutual has joined forces with Scotland Food & Drink, to create a brand new award, designed to bring out the inspirational stories of young people aged 16-26 who own, work or study within businesses in the food and drink sector, and are driving success within the Scottish food and drink industry. The award is open for entries until 31 July 2018, with winners announced in September 2018. Details at http://fooddrinkfort.scot/