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The North East Scotland Agriculture Advisory Group

Aberdeenshire Council leads a major cross-sectoral forum that lobby on behalf of the sector as well as providing support and advice both to the agricultural sector and the wider rural economy of the North East.

Membership of the Group consists of:

  • the three North East of Scotland local authorities (Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and The Moray Council)
  • Local Enterprise Company
  • key representatives from the agricultural industry
  • environmental agencies
  • wider rural interests

The Group oversees the work of short life task forces e.g. Red Meat Task Force that may need to be established from time to time in order to address specific issues of concern.

 

Agriculture in Aberdeenshire - Looking to the Future

This report was commissioned by NESAAG (the North East of Scotland Agriculture Advisory Group), Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise. Aberdeenshire Council has periodically commissioned reviews of the position of agriculture in the area, the last being for the period to 2003. The current work updates this series for the period 2003 to 2007. However, in addition to the usual statistical review of agriculture this study presents a strategic review of the position of the industry, looks more widely at links into the rural economy and the food and drink sector, tries to look at future prospects and challenges, and presents recommendations for action.

 

North East Scotland Agriculture Advisory Group Responds To The Scottish Government Consultation On The Cap Health Check

North East Scotland Agriculture Advisory Group (NESAAG) submitted its response in August 2008 to the Scottish Government Consultation on the Future Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Scotland, or the CAP Health Check as it is called.

The European Commission (EC) published details of the CAP Health Check in November 2007 with a view to identifying how the CAP is performing, how to simplify the policy and how to make best use of new market opportunities and to prepare for new challenges such as climate change, water-management, biodiversity and bio-energy.

The Scottish Government consultation stresses the importance of forming a Scottish viewpoint to the CAP proposals which take account of the specific nature of agriculture in Scotland, although negotiations with the EC will be undertaken at UK level.

Aware of the importance of the agricultural sector within Aberdeenshire and the North East of Scotland, the proposals were considered by NESAAG in July 2008 with a view to formulating a response.

Councillor William Howatson, NESAAG Chairman said:

“Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy in the North East of Scotland, producing around 30% of Scotland’s cereals, 40% of Scotland’s Oilseed Rape and maintaining around one third of Scotland’s beef herd and more than 50% of its pig herd.

“NESAAG does not regard agriculture in isolation, but as an integral sector within the rural economy. However, the industry has been exposed to structural and demographic change and external influences such as market volatility, high transport and energy costs.

“Aberdeenshire is also home to a significant processing sector, which currently processes more than 40% of Scotland’s prime cattle and 40% of Scotland’s prime lamb. Both the Food and Drink sectors are key industries in the North East of Scotland.

“Maintaining a robust, sustainable agricultural sector is therefore a key strategic priority for industry stakeholders to ensure supply of raw materials to the value added sectors and to underpin associated rural businesses and supply services within the rural economy.

“It is also important to recognise the breadth of the CAP and the potential within Pillar 2 for rural development encompassing rural communities and value added sectors which are key drivers in the rural economy.

“Acknowledging the scale of the agricultural sector in Aberdeenshire in tandem with the impact within the rural economy and communities, it is essential the voice of the north east is heard during negotiations on the future of the CAP.”