3 minute read
Chairman’s Comments
WHO would have thought that after the awful autumn flooding, we would again experience such dreadful rainfall early in the new year? It has been very disheartening to see the impact on so many farming and rural communities, from the SouthWest right across the whole of the UK and into my home county of East Lothian. We can only hope we soon see the end of the continuous rain in good time to catch up with some urgent land work.
Brexit Battles
For many people, the election of a Conservative government has been a relief, resulting in a useful spike in business confidence in the UK; finally, ‘Brexit is done’, according to our Prime Minister. Whilst this removes the immediate uncertainty, it is becoming very clear that we are a long way from the reality of new trade deals, within and outside the EU. Relationships with our friends in Brussels are already strained by initial negotiating positions and thick ‘red lines’ on both sides. I fear we will need to prepare for a hard Brexit at the end of this year, as I doubt either side will be willing to back down, until there is a bigger immediate imperative to deal with – Brexit is far from done.
Legislation
We now have new Agricultural Bills in both Westminster and Holyrood. It seems that whilst the Bill in Westminster contains huge changes to agricultural policy, in Scotland we don’t have the prospect of such sweeping changes; instead we have a pledge to continue the current agricultural support systems for four years, giving greater financial stability for Scottish farmers in the medium term. It is now clear to me that our industry needs to adapt to deliver climate change solutions, whilst convincing UK consumers that we can also deliver a healthy and sustainable food production system. A profitable transition for many working farmers is likely to be very challenging.
Skiing
I took off after my first Committee meeting in January, to represent the Worshipful Company of Farmers in the Inter-Livery Ski Championships in Morzine, France. Our skilful Captain is another Club member, Hugh Wykes, who led us through three days of relaxed racing against 260 other competitors, aged 22 to 70-plus. It was very sociable, so it was the taking part that mattered. We apparently had the largest team ever, and I encourage other members of the WCF to apply in 2021, if you are young, fast and fit…!
Oxford Farming Conference
I first attended OFC about 30 years ago with my father and after about 15 past visits attended this year following four years off. How things have changed, yet stayed the same. There were too few farmers as usual, great presentations, and a whole generation had disappeared, with lots of enthusiastic younger people. The chat was of meat v. vegans, climate change and nutritional food etc. plus some depressing politics.
Extinction Rebellion protested on the pavement outside, so I had two rewarding chats with respectable protesters about what motivated their protests in my quest to understand. As usual, lots of common concerns at a broad level, but a serious lack of knowledge about farming practice and sustainable food production (‘what’s LEAF?’). I gave them my business card and invited them to visit my farm, without the ‘masks and onesies’, to talk to me and my staff and explore their issues for themselves. So far I’ve had no response.
Events
Our members’ events programme continues to evolve, with the Chairman’s trip to Edinburgh and East Lothian taking bookings – I am pleased to see it has filled up so quickly.
We hope to add some more trips during the year, but I’m really looking forward to going to Burgundy with Club wine lovers in September. The show season will soon be upon us and Ali and I are planning to attend almost all those that the Club is supporting around the country this year. We look forward to meeting lots of members.
For full details of the services available in The Farmers Club over the Easter weekend please turn to p22. EASTER OPENING
