This year’s NFUS Autumn Conference brought together a myriad of speakers under the theme, ‘How can farmers and crofters drive more profitability into their business through maximising their environmental credentials?’

The event highlighted the vital intersection of agriculture and sustainability, emphasising the need for recognition and support in the sector.

The conference kicked off with an impassioned speech from NFUS President Martin Kennedy, who called for proper acknowledgement of farmers and crofters’ world-leading green credentials. Following him, Jim Fairlie, minister for agriculture and connectivity provided an overview of the government’s stance on the current agricultural landscape, emphasising the importance of adapting to evolving challenges.

Members asked questions on finances, environmental practice and government legislation.Members asked questions on finances, environmental practice and government legislation. Alistair Carmichael, chair of the environment, food and rural affairs committee at Westminster, stressed the necessity of budgetary support for agricultural stakeholders, advocating for policies that reinforce the sector’s sustainability efforts.

Cora Cooper, the 2023 sheep farmer of the year, shared insights on balancing food production and nature, highlighting their low-cost system and initiatives aimed at enhancing the peatland ecosystem on and around their farm.

Professor John Gilliland then addressed the dual challenge of eliminating human hunger while promoting healthier food choice. He then encouraged farmers to adopt a granular approach to lowering carbon emissions in their operations.

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Mark Diffley presented findings from a consumer survey, revealing the public’s strong desire for clearer food labelling, particularly regarding the country of origin. This call for transparency aligns with the growing consumer demand for accountability in food sourcing.

Lochty Porter from Angus Soft Fruits discussed his company’s successful journey in sustainability, including innovative packaging reductions and their trial of the SAGA robot system to enhance efficiency. He also highlighted their commitment to donating surplus produce, showcasing a holistic approach to business.

Finally, Ronald Daalmans, director of sustainability at Chivas Brothers, shared their ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2026. He emphasised collaboration with growers to reduce carbon output and the importance of shared responsibility across all rungs of the sector in their journey.

The conference fostered valuable discussions on how the agricultural community can leverage their environmental credentials to drive profitability and contribute to a sustainable future.