Euro boost for Show

18 Mar 2015 12:43 PM

European Commissioner accepts invitation to attend Royal Highland Show.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced today that the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, has accepted his invitation to attend this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Mr Lochhead met with Commissioner Hogan at the European Council on Monday.

He said:

“I’m delighted that Commissioner Hogan will be attending the 175th Royal Highland Show in June as a guest of the Scottish Government.

“The Royal Highland Show is the UK’s best agricultural show – it’s a booming business hub each year and as such contributes £47.1 million to the Scottish economy. Commissioner Hogan will have the chance to meet farmers and producers and find out more about their livestock and services.

“This visit will be a good opportunity for the Commissioner to meet with farmers at first-hand and hear about some of the big issues around CAP implementation, and I look forward to working with the Commissioner Hogan on his simplification agenda in line with Brian Pack's recommendations.

“Not only that but the Commissioner will get to sample some of Scotland’s finest products in The Food Hall – our fantastic natural larder gives us some of the best, freshest and tastiest produce in the world and I’m confident he will enjoy what we will have on offer, which I’m sure will be spectacular given that we are celebrating the Year of Food and Drink in Scotland.”

Commissioner Hogan took up his post in November 2014 with an aim to ensuring that EU agricultural and rural development policies promote growth, investment and new jobs. Part of his portfolio is also to identify how European agriculture can be more energy efficient and can lower its carbon dioxide emissions.

Mr Lochhead added:

“This year’s Royal Highland Show will also feature Renewables, and the advances in technology for heating and fuelling homes and businesses which I think will be of particular interest to the Commissioner.”

Stephen Hutt, RHASS Chief Executive, said: 

“Commissioner Hogan’s attendance at this year’s Royal Highland Show reinforces the event’s positioning as a key platform for discussions on issues impacting the agricultural industry. We very much look forward to welcoming the Commissioner to the Show.”

The Royal Highland Show will run from 18 – 21 June at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston.

Notes To Editors

A photo of Mr Lochhead and Commissioner Hogan is available on request.