Minister's praise for Angus farm’s bio business

Mr Opperman called in at Stracathro Estates with Scottish Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Stephen Kerr.

During his fact-finding visit, he toured the farm and digester plant and heard from estate owner Hugh Campbell Adamson and director Gordon Cairns about their plans to encourage more young people to go into agriculture.

Mr Opperman praised the estate for the diversity of its business and its proactive approach to recruitment.

He said: “Farms such as this one which have diversified into new areas, will have an immediate and long-term positive impact on net zero. They are exciting places to work.

“The technology we have in the UK in agriculture and bio-fuels is world-leading and the plans I have heard about today to get information about the careers available into schools and colleges are excellent.

"I look forward to seeing the results.

“I want to ensure we bring together the key players to ensure the farms of the future have the local jobs and local workforce they need.”

Mr Kerr also said that the agricultural sector across the county as a whole is contributing to the country’s future energy security.

He said: “Energy crops such as those grown here in Angus are going to be a big part of our net zero future and will provide a significant contribution to our energy security.”