FERGUS Ewing’s champions of agriculture met in Perth, last Friday, to reveal their interim findings on the development of a farming strategy for Scotland – a topic given extra focus by Brexit.

Four reports on key areas were given and the importance of collaboration echoed throughout, with agreement that a one size fits all approach is not ideal for farming.

A common theme was the need to change public mindset, restoring confidence back in the agricultural sector and the importance of understanding consumer trends. A first step, and one acknowledged across the board, was a need to better manage farm businesses through benchmarking and knowledge sharing.

Provenance and farmers seeing rewards for their work were among the messages delivered by food and drink champion, Archie Gibson: “We have seen huge profitability in the food industry over the past 10 years, with the food and drink industry reaching record levels.

"However, many farmers don’t feel part of the success of that. We need to make sure farmers see the profits of their hard work and through emphasis on provenance we can create strong connections with the consumer.”

Engaging with the public and making sure they recognise the value of the industry was championed by Marion McCormack.

She emphasised a need for public and political support: “Farming is a long-term business which needs a long-term plan and the backing of cross-party support. We need to leave behind self-interest and come together to create clear identifiable objectives and above all reposition public value at the forefront of our strategy," she said.

Former NFU president John Kinnaird led a discussion on sustainability. He said: “We are delivering a strategy for five to 15 years’ time. One that will bypass this parliamentary term and allow our industry to plan for the long term.

"We need to identify where within Scottish agriculture we can make savings, but it is important that the money is reinvested within the industry and not given to other departments and this will be down to educating the public on the value agriculture plays in Scotland not only in food production but within our tourism industry, the environment and much more.”

Former banker Henry Graham, from LANTRA, who led on education strategy, said greater value must be placed on careers in agriculture, changing mindsets to value the sector as a professional ambition.

“There is a real shortage of skills in rural areas and huge need for vocational training in all parts of Scotland. There is very little apprenticeship training outwith the Central Belt and more needs to be done to attract young people in to the sector,” explained Mr Graham.

Rural Economy Cabinet Secretary, Fergus Ewing said: “The champions rightly identify the concept of public value underpinning all the strategic themes set out in the report.

“Farming is a long-term business which needs a long-term strategy that is owned and promoted by industry and government in partnership. I believe this interim report from the champions is an initial step towards that aim,” added Mr Ewing.

For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk