Focussing on diversification will help reduce risk and will be crucial for farmers in the months ahead amidst an uncertain and volatile agricultural environment.
This was TV farming personality Adam Henson’s message to a group of Aberdeenshire farmers when he spoke at a Bank of Scotland dinner at the Royal Northern & University Club in Aberdeen.
He said the uncertainty created following the EU Referendum meant there was a growing importance for farmers to explore new ways of generating income. “Farmers that have one specialist enterprise such as dairy or beef could consider a diversification strategy. Making use of redundant farm buildings for educational or tourism purposes can also benefit both the farmer and the local community.
“By not having all their eggs in one basket, farmers are actively reducing the risk they could face if unfavourable market conditions hit their traditional enterprise, which could help to see them successfully navigate a challenging period,” he said.
The dinner followed Adam’s visit to Collyhill Farm near Inverurie, where he joined a group of pupils from Inverurie Market Place School at an event organised by Bank of Scotland and the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI), an educational charity that helps children in the North-east of Scotland develop a greater understanding of farming.
Pupils got to see first-hand how the farm runs its livestock, machinery and crops, and heard from Adam about the rare breeds and conservation work at his Cotswold Farm Park, and how modern technology is creating exciting career opportunities for the next generation of farmers.
Bank of Scotland’s Area Director for Agriculture in North & West Scotland, Donald Macdonald, joined Adam throughout the day. He said: “Planning ahead can help ensure farmers are prepared to get through a period of market volatility, and identifying ways to diversify their enterprise can help to lower risk during challenging conditions.
“Looking ahead, the future of the industry will see technology play an increasingly important role in farming, and it’s important to educate the next generation of farmers about the wide range of agriculture career opportunities available to them because of this. Thanks to Adam and the RNCI, the countryside classroom sessions really brought the sector and the opportunities to life for the pupils, and it was great to see so many interested in exploring a career in the industry.”
Cllr Allison Grant, Deputy Provost of Aberdeenshire, also attended the event at Collyhill Farm and said: “Aberdeenshire’s agriculture, food and drink sector is vibrant and progressive and is a vital component of the local economy. As well as putting food on our plates the sector also offers a wide range of rewarding careers for our young people.
“Over the past 20 years RNCI has done an immense job in helping thousands of local schoolchildren and their teachers to better understand the workings of the rural economy and what it has to offer.
“I am delighted to have been invited along to such a special occasion to see RNCI’s work at first hand and wish to express my sincere appreciation to RNCI and to Bank of Scotland, event sponsors.