McArthur pays tribute to outgoing NFUS President

After attending the annual dinner of NFU Scotland last night, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has restated his support for the farming sector and offered his thanks to Martin Kennedy, who has stepped down as NFUS President after four years. Commenting, Orkney’s MSP stated:

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Orkney's economy and our wider community. It was a pleasure, therefore, to join representatives of the Orkney farming sector, alongside those from across the country and the rest of the UK, at the NFUS annual dinner in Glasgow last night.

“As well as being an enjoyable evening, the dinner provides an excellent opportunity to discuss with those at the sharp end what is needed to support this key sector. In a period of change, it is clear that the challenges facing the sector are not insignificant.

“While restoration of funding previously removed from the agriculture budget by Scottish Ministers is welcome, changes to tax rules introduced by the UK government have caused considerable anger as well as uncertainty for farm businesses in Orkney and across the UK. It is essential that the Chancellor rethinks her proposals for a family farm tax.

“On a more positive note, the dinner provided an opportunity to pay tribute to Martin Kennedy, who steps down after four years as NFUS President. During a difficult period for the farming sector, Martin has been a committed, hard-working and effective leader, and someone with whom, on a personal level, I have always enjoyed working. I thank him for his service and wish his successor, Andrew Connon all the best as he takes on the mantle after being elected as President at the AGM today.”