CLAIRE TAYLOR
Scottish farming's future cannot rely entirely on automation – people will remain vital to the rural economy and cannot be replaced by machines.
Those were the sentiments of National Farming Union Scotland president Andrew McCornick at this week's SNP conference, where he spoke at a fringe event on the rural economy.
As the implications of Brexit on the migrant labour market have become apparent, Defra ministers have focussed more and more on the potential for the automation of fruit and vegetable harvesting, and hi-tech labour saving solutions on farms in general.
Mr McCornick insisted that Scotland’s farmers and crofters were taking the necessary steps to change and moderise their operations as they prepare for a post-Brexit farming landscape and life beyond the CAP. He explained that the industry has an excellent track record in adopting new techniques and innovation to drive efficiency which will be essential in times to come. However, he said that these advancements could only take the industry so far; with highly trained and skilled staff making up an essential element of profitable and productive farming for the foreseeable future.
In March this year, the NFUS launched their policy paper looking at a new agricultural policy for Scotland post-Brexit – ‘Steps For Change: A New Agricultural Policy For Scotland’ – which discussed the importance of embracing new productive practices to increase the viability and competitiveness of all sectors. These included investment in innovative agricultural practices and technology; increased knowledge exchange and improved technical and managerial skills.
Mr McCornick commented: “There is a huge role for agri-tech supporting our farming sector as we strive to become more efficient and more competitive and Scotland has a good track record in adopting technology and innovation.
“While these tools can help make our rural economy more successful, keeping people in our industry is absolutely vital,” he stressed. “Agri-tech provides tools and techniques that can support farmers but, in many areas, robots or machinery can’t replace people on the ground, and for particular tasks like fruit picking, we will still need people to do these jobs.
“Innovation and technology can be the gateway to change, but that requires the buy in and the investment from farmers. They need to be reassured that cost and investment in technology will generate a return.”
The union used the SNP conference to hold meetings with MPs, MSPs and advisors on a range of issues including Brexit, the UK Government’s Agriculture Bill and the Scottish Government’s consultation on climate change. Other panel members at the fringe event were Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing and Craig Michie of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Mr McCornick also plugged the NFUS’s upcoming schedule of Autumn events: “Our Autumn conference, being held in Birnam on October 26, will include sessions on taking the steps to change and horizon-scanning. And in November, the union will hold a series of 13 regional roadshow events throughout Scotland to develop members’ views on our discussion document ‘Steps to Change – A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland’,” he concluded.
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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