Support for Young Farmers’ Big Build project
The chief executive officer of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is giving her support to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ (SAYFC) Big Build, crediting Young Farmers for the role played in her early development and shaping her career in Scottish agriculture.
Sarah Millar joined Young Farmers at 14, first becoming involved with junior speechmaking competitions, and developed an interest in agricultural policy, with early exposure to governance and rural advocacy.
Young Farmers gave Sarah access to a powerful network where she built strong connections with agricultural leaders, not only across Scotland, but throughout the UK and Europe. This network supported her involvement in rural youth activism and helped to shape her perspective on the wider agricultural landscape.
As CEO of QMS, Sarah is responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the Scottish red meat supply chain, and the marketing of the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork brands. Putting farming families, and in particular young farmers, at the heart of this work is something she is very passionate about.
Sarah said; "Young Farmers played a key role in shaping my confidence, skills, and understanding of the agricultural sector. I strongly believe in the organisation’s role in developing future leaders for rural Scotland, and I am proud to back the Big Build to help create a permanent national centre where young farmers can come together and build lasting relationships within their wider rural community.”
The SAYFC Big Build aims to create a new centre for Scotland’s rural youth, following the loss of its previous HQ at the Royal Highland Showground. The facility will provide a base for staff and members, act as a social hub to help tackle rural isolation and strengthen community connections, offer event and office spaces for collaboration with other agricultural organisations, and include archive and exhibition space to showcase the SAYFC’s history.
SAYFC is encouraging individuals, businesses and supporters in the rural community to get behind the project. Anyone interested in contributing, securing naming rights, or discussing major gifts is encouraged to contact [email protected], with information at www.sayfc.org/donate/sayfcs-big-build/