A PLAN to give the young farmers' movement a more meaningful role has been approved by the National Farmers' Union of Scotland and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs.
A meeting between the leadership of the two bodies has agreed to forge a new relationship of mutual support.
Proposals are to be developed for the SAYFC to be represented on key union committees. A move which will need to be approved by the ruling council.
Union president George Lyon, accompanied by vice-presidents Peter Chapman and Jim Walker, met SAYFC national chairman Alison Logan, secretary Fiona Bain, and agriculture and environmental affairs chairman Findlay Carson at Ingliston to review the prospects for closer co-operation.
''We are very encouraged that a dialogue has been opened up,'' said Jim Walker. Both sides are very keen to forge closer links. What we are proposing is the creation of places for young farmers on the union's main commodity committees - milk, cereals and livestock. Further options will be discussed by the employment and technology and legal and commercial committees. Issues such as training are of particular interest to the SAYFC.''
As the NFUS contemplates a restructuring of its own, there may be further opportunities at area and branch level for young farmers to be more closely involved. The union would like to see membership of the SAYFC become a stepping stone to joining the union.
''We are keen to explore more practical ways in which each organisation can be of positive help to the other,'' said Walker.
He pointed out that in the past the SAYFC had been seen more as a social club than a representative organisation. ''This is in contrast with Europe, where young farmers' organisations have tended to take on a higher profile and are more politically active.''
He added: ''As a result, their lobbying role has been more effective. It is in the interests of both the union and the SAYFC that Scotland's young farmers raise their profile on the political stage particularly as we look forward to the establishment of a Scottish Parliament.''
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