There is a four-way competition for the two vacant vice-presidential roles at NFU Scotland.

Rather than the traditional round of regional hustings, the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions have obliged the candidates to make their case for election via virtual meetings.The elections will take place at the union’s virtual council meeting on Friday, February 12, with online voting arrangements for council members in place.

Here, we offer each candidate space to introduce themselves and comment on the pressing issues facing Scottish farming ... next on our list is George Milne, of Kinaldy, St Andrews, Fife

"I FARM near St. Andrews with 400 breeding ewes plus an additional 300 ewe lambs bought each year and sold as gimmers, a herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle and two years ago we diversified into agri- tourism setting up educational farm tours

I have more than 20 years’ experience in Agri politics engaging with politicians at Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels. During this time, I have held the positions of chairman and Development officer of National Sheep Association Scotland and I am currently a Board member of QMS, where I chair the beef and lamb marketing group, and the remuneration committee as well as being a member of the audit and risk management committee. This has enabled me to influence policy and I have been able to contribute to the climate change agenda, promoting the role that sheep play in less favoured areas, improvements in farm efficiency and improved animal health and welfare.

If elected, I will use the experience that I have gained in these roles to ensure that every sector within Scottish agriculture is represented by taking forward the views of NFUS members to officials and most importantly acted upon by both Scottish and UK Governments.

The sector is currently facing some major issues, the future of farm support and obtaining recognition for the contribution that farmers deliver to the sustainability agenda are critical to the future success of our industry. During the last 10 months the Scottish farming sector has demonstrated its resilience, however, the coming years as we recover from Covid-19 and respond to the challenges of Brexit are going to be critical. The proposed changes to transport regulation, gene editing, re-wilding and potential threats from future trade deals allowing cheap food into the UK are just some examples of future challenges.

Transport regulation and gene editing could potentially lead to differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK. If transport regulation is implemented more rigorously in England then when we move stock from Scotland to England we will have to comply with their rules. If England make use of gene editing and we don’t then there will be immediate problems with livestock and feeding material crossing the border.

NFUS is in an ideal place to engage, discuss and challenge government on these issues in order to deliver proper solutions.

Re-wilding and predators pose threats to our countryside, our way of life and how we protect our livestock. The sea eagle population is out of control and needs addressed urgently – I was previously at the forefront of opposing the reintroduction of Lynx and will continue to do so.

Clearly England has a different direction of travel from Scotland regarding future support and we are fortunate to have a Cabinet Secretary that recognises the importance of agriculture and food production. Scotland produces food to the highest standards with a worldwide reputation for quality and our PGI status for Scotch beef and lamb puts us ahead of the rest. QMS have done a fantastic job in promoting our Scotch beef PGI, Scotch lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. The 'Make it' campaign has been relentless on social media along with a return to television advertising. This amount of air time needs funding, hopefully the long awaited levy repatriation will help to build on this in the future.

I am determined to ensure that Scotland’s farmers receive the same recognition and respect by our consumers as NZ and Australia have.

Scottish farmers are expected to produce more food to meet Scotland’s food and Drink ambition of doubling output to £30 billion by 2030. Yet the government have also increased tree planting targets to 18,000 ha by 2025. We also provide public goods, delivering environmental benefits and access to the countryside. It is time this was properly recognised and directly attributed to the farming community.

Climate change will be the driver for change going forward. The Suckler Beef climate plan has been produced and its recommendations are moving fast. This will be the blueprint for other sector plans, the Hill and Upland, Dairy, Pig, and Arable. We will have to adapt to help deliver the targets, I am however concerned that the industry is suitably recognised for future improvements and any changes are evidence based.

It would be an honour to become part of the NFUS team as a Vice President and I would welcome your support to allow me to help make a difference."