| 24/09/07           In recognition of the new Scottish Rural Development Plan’s
                huge significance, NFU Scotland is hosting a meeting on Wednesday
                3 October 2007 from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. at the Urr Valley
              Hotel in Castle Douglas.  
             NFUS members are encouraged to come and hear how the SRDP will
              work, what its objectives are and how to make the most of what’s
            on offer.  NFU Scotland’s Head of Rural Policy, Jonnie Hall, will speak on
		      how the SRDP for 2007 to 2013 was developed, what its strategic aims
		      are and outline its structure and funding. Kate Scott, NFU Scotland’s
		      Dumfries and Galloway Regional Manager, will explain how the Plan is
		      intended to operate in practice and how farmers might apply under different
		      measures.  Jonnie Hall said:  “From agri-environment schemes and farm woodland payments to business
		      development grants and less favoured areas support, the impact of the
		      SRDP will be hugely significant in shaping the future of both individual
		      farm businesses and the Scottish agricultural industry. While yet to
		      be approved by the EU, and with the details of application to be finalised,
		      it is clear that the new SRDP will be significantly different from what
		      has gone before.  “There are many new opportunities available under the new Plan
		      and we want to ensure NFU Scotland members are well-equipped to make
		      the most of them.  “The SRDP has a strong regional dimension, however, we believe
		      that business development measures must be a priority for every region
		      as farming businesses have to be competitive and viable if environmental
		      and other goals are to be achieved.”   Supermarket Summit Critical 
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