This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Lord Sewel holds constructive meeting with NFUS
05/01/1998
Scottish Agriculture Minister, Lord Sewel today met acting Presidents of the SNFU, George Lyon and Stewart Whiteford, and SNFU officials to discuss the future of Scottish agriculture.
Speaking after the meeting, Lord Sewel said:
"When the Secretary of State and I met the Union in December, we made a commitment to enter into a dialogue on the future of the industry. Today's meeting was the first stage in that process.
"We had a useful and constructive exchange of views on the issues facing the industry, both short and long term, ranging from the current pressures on hill livestock producers through the proposals for CAP reform under Agenda 2000, to the prospects for the next round of negotiations on agricultural trade in the World Trade Organisation.
"We could not hope to do full justice to this wide agenda in one meeting and the dialogue will continue with an aim of reaching an understanding on how we can best secure a viable future for the industry in Scotland."