POLITICIANS OF all parties are being urged to ensure Scotland's farmers are not ignored in the run-up to next month's general election.
The call comes from NFU Scotland which kicks-off a series of hustings within the union's Angus and Lothian and Borders regions next week.
The union launched its election manifesto last week detailing the key issues it would like to see UK politicians acting on now to secure the vibrancy of the Scottish farming industry for the future.
The hustings meetings, due to take place at the Finavon Hotel, Forfar on April 14 and at The Lodge, Carfraemill on April 16 are open to everyone with an interest in agriculture, and will be an opportunity to put questions to candidates from all the main political parties.
Other hustings meetings will be held at the Huntingtower Hotel,Perth on April 29 and at the Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, on April 30.
All meetings take place at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
NFUS is calling upon the team of politicians who will be elected on May 7 to support Scottish farmers by promoting Scotland's larder at home and abroad, which will also be key over the next five years.
The union is also calling upon UK politicians to consider a more co-ordinated approach to export promotion and fairness in the supply chain.
The union urges for the undertaking an urgent review of the UK Government's decision on CAP convergence monies; as well as looking more closely at what tax levers could be employed to incentivise best practice in land ownership and business investment in Scotland.
NFUS regional manager for Lothian and Borders, Kerry Barr said: "The general election on May 7 is likely to be historic, with a number of new political parties and ideas emerging on to the main stage.
"Our hustings meetings will be a valuable opportunity to put questions to the panel on many of the key issues currently facing Scottish farmers - how we can promote Scotland's fantastic produce at home and abroad, Scotland's future in the EU, and indeed in the UK.
"Following the fantastic engagement of the rural community in last year's referendum on independence, NFUS urges all members and those living and working in rural Scotland to use this opportunity to quiz candidates on what their vision is for the future of our sector."
For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday's issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
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