Lord Duncan to visit Scottish Borders to discuss food and drink production
On a two day trip spanning from Gordon to Galloway, UK Government Minister Lord Duncan, will meet with farmers, brewers and food and drink producers to talk about agriculture, innovation, and the importance of trade in the UK and beyond.
Vegetable Farming
He will be speaking with a variety of stakeholders about EU exit, the future of farming, and the importance of agricultural innovation to improve output and boost producer鈥檚 profits.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Lord Duncan said:
Make no mistake, Scotland鈥檚 food and drink is iconic 鈥� it is recognised for its quality and heritage all over the world, and is an enormous draw for tourists and investors alike.
And it鈥檚 not just salmon and whisky 鈥� Scotland鈥檚 soft fruits, meat and dairy produce is renowned for flavour and I鈥檓 really looking forward to meeting processors, growers and farmers and hearing all about their businesses and their thoughts on how the UK Government can support agriculture in Scotland.
At the Royal Highland Show I spoke about the importance that science and innovation has to play in agriculture and Dourie Farm is a great example of how genetic science can make a positive impact on the farm鈥檚 bottom line.
I鈥檓 also keen to hear from the teams behind Eyeball brewing and Thistley cross cider. Scotland鈥檚 craft drinks industry is booming and the demand is out there. We鈥檒l be discussing the importance of frameworks around labelling, and opportunities for exporting all around the world.
It鈥檚 really important that as the UK approaches our exit from the EU that we can hear directly from a range of suppliers about the challenges and opportunities that they see over the years ahead.
Over the two days Lord Duncan will visit Hardiesmill Farm, Gordon; Eyeball Brewery/Thistly Cross Cider, and Belhaven Fruit Farm, Dunbar; Dourie Farm, Port William; and Cream of Galloway, Castle Douglas.