Food and Farming Hustings: The Voters Who Feed and Steward Scotland

Organised by the Scottish Agroecology Partnership on behalf of many of our collective members and the wider public.

Join a number of organisations from the Scottish Agroecology Partnership at Bowhouse (Fife) for a Food and Farming Hustings rooted in the real, day-to-day realities of running profitable, sustainable rural businesses.

Hosted sessions with Pam Brunton (Inver Restaurant) and Jock Gibson (Edinvale Farm), plus Q&A.

Submit questions by email (up to 24hrs before) to nim.kibbler@nffn.org.uk, in writing on arrival, or live on the night.

We’re bringing together the voters who feed Scotland – farmers, crofters, growers, and food producers – to discuss the realities of running profitable, sustainable rural businesses in today’s economic and ecological climate.

This isn’t a standard hustings. It’s rooted in the day-in, day-out practical reality of Scottish food and farming – what it takes to keep rural enterprises viable, resilient, delivering for nature and our communities.

Event details

• Date: Monday, 30 March
• Time: arrival from 6pm, prompt start at 6.30–9pm
• Venue: Bowhouse, Balcaskie Estates, Fife

The format

The evening will be split into two hosted sessions, each led by a voice actively shaping Scotland’s food and agriculture future:

Session 1: Hosted by Pam Brunton

Pam is the acclaimed chef and co-owner of Inver Restaurant. A specialist in crafting Scotland’s local food into world-class meals, she understands the supply chains, economics, and culinary potential of what we produce from our land and seas.

Session 2: Hosted by Jock Gibson

Jock runs Edinvale Farm; he is a cattle farmer, a Nuffield Scholar, and a butcher. He brings deep expertise in livestock management and the practicalities of maintaining a viable farming business in a changing landscape.

Questions and participation

To make sure the discussion reflects real priorities from people working across the sector, questions can be submitted in three ways:

• By email up to 24 hours before the event (details in your booking confirmation)
• In writing at the start of the event (you’ll have the chance to submit a written question on arrival)
• Live on the night (there will be time for a few live questions)

Why attend

This is an opportunity to see what your local MSP candidates or rural representatives of the main parties believe is the way forwards for Scotland's agriculture and ask your questions. These will not be just abstract policy discussions; these are questions to politicians from the people who work the land – and the kitchens of Scotland – every day.

Confirmed MSPs/other:

• Stephen Hoggan parliamentary candidate for area for SNP
• Edward Sheasby PPC for Scottish Conservatives & Unionists
• Richard Fairley spokesperson for Reform UK
• Ed Scotcher spokesperson for Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Claire Baker PPC regional for Scottish Labour – TBC
• Mark Ruskell PPC regional for Scottish Greens Party – TBC

Spaces are limited – please reserve a place in advance.

Please note that members of the media might be present and there may be press coverage of the event.

For more information contact Nim Kibbler, Nature Friendly Farming Network:
nim.kibbler@nffn.org.uk

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