How to prepare for Brexit – event summary

Over the recent months we held a series of meetings across the country to look at how farmers can prepare for Brexit.  Below is the summary and handout presentations for the Oban meeting, which was attended by Michael Russell MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe.

Attendance was not as good as anticipated, it is thought that many farmers think we are too early to discuss Brexit. They have really missed the aim and objective of the event which was all about preparing for change. We will need to look at and improve the marketing for future events.Overall this was a successful and interactive event. Attendance was not as good as anticipated, it is thought that many farmers think we are too early to discuss Brexit. They have really missed the aim and objective of the event which was all about preparing for change. We will need to look at and improve the marketing for future events.

Those who attended benefitted from the following talks:

1. Business Matters – There was a lively discussion on how we can prepare businesses for a period of uncertainty. – led by Niall Campbell
2. Understanding Public Good – Farmers debated the need to demonstrate public good to defend any future support the industry attracts. Led by Morven MacArthur
3. Make use of your main asset – Trevor Polley led a session on making best use of the grassland asset
4. A Focus on Environmental management – This session helped farmers and crofters  understand the priority conservation species and habitat they have on their farms.  Led by Helen Bibby
5. Horizon gazing – A vision of the future delivered by a keynote speaker. In this case we had Michael Russell MSP to give us his take on the matter. He was an excellent addition to the event.