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Farmers and crofters have descended on Glasgow as the sector bids farewell to outgoing NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy.

President

The two-day event, taking place at the Radisson Blue Hotel in the Scottish capital on Thursday (February 6) and Friday (February 7), will be packed with discussion about the future of Scottish agriculture, the union's political lobbying efforts, and the election of its next president.

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Current vice-presidents Alasdair Macnab and Andrew Connon are seeking election to take over from Mr Kennedy as president.

Vice-president

There will also be vice-presidential elections with Robert Neill, Michael Davis and Duncan Macalister all in the race for positions.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland Kirsty McNeill, former director of agriculture at Barclays Mark Suthern, Tesco head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries Natalie Smith and former Defra Secretary George Eustice are all due to deliver speeches at the Conference over the next two days.

Inheritance Tax

Issues including changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Inheritance Tax, innovation and expertise in modern technology, championing Scottish produce and understanding the European cereals market will all be under the spotlight during the conference.

In his final welcome address as president, Mr Kennedy said: "Every year, we look forward to NFUS's AGM and annual dinner.

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"It is a fantastic opportunity to hear the views of industry leaders from home and abroad, as well as our political leaders.

"It is also a great chance to catch up with friends and colleagues from all sides of the industry.

"This year is no different, with excellent speakers giving their views on the way forward for agriculture given the challenges the industry now faces.

"As agriculture's key stakeholder in lobbying for our industry, the political scene is never far from NFUS's focus."

'Honour and privilege'

The Highland Perthshire farmer said it had been a pleasure to lead the union over the last four years, and he praised the organisation for placing agriculture at the forefront of its lobbying efforts.

"With this being my last year at the helm of NFUS, I would like to close by saying it has been an absolute honour and a privilege to represent agriculture at such a high level over the past four years," he added.

"I must make a special mention to the entire staff team, who punch way above their weight on so many fronts.

"I know agriculture is far better off as a direct result of such a strong union."

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