Crofting

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has unveiled a plan to stabilise and improve the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payment process.

The ‘CAP Plan for Stabilisation’ aims to tackle the major causes of poor customer service, error and payment delay by:

AECS and Pains on the Croft - Getting to Grips with Agri-Environment Schemes

Are you trying to get to grips with AECS, or wondering how managing your land differently could impact production?

This event will look at ‘win-win’ situations, where agri-environmental management can benefit both wildlife and production.

You will also spend time exploring some of the practicalities and challenges associated with applying for and managing land under an Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS).

Free of charge to farmers, crofters and land managers.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invite applications to attend an interactive strategic workshop (Sandpit) to develop proposals for research and research translation projects.

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation seeking views on the priorities for future crofting law.

The Crofting Consultation 2017 was launched by Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing on 28 August and will run for 12 weeks.

The public consultation seeks opinions on the form of new legislation and priorities for legislative change to ensure crofting law is fit for the 21st century.

Mr Ewing said:

Nose to Tail Charcuterie

A practical course that will take you through all aspects of charcuterie.

Ideal for crofters, smallholders and anyone who has an interest in making their own dry cured meats at home.

Tutor: Rachel Hammond

Local Course Director: Claire Pepper, West Highland College

For further information or to book a place contact Donna on training@crofting.org or call 01343 209384.

Nose to Tail Charcuterie

A practical course that will take you through all aspects of charcuterie.

Ideal for crofters, smallholders and anyone who has an interest in making their own dry cured meats at home.

Tutor: Rachel Hammond

Local Course Director: Claire Pepper, West Highland College

For further information or to book a place contact Donna on training@crofting.org or call 01343 209384.

Access to Crofting Toolkit

Local course director: Becky Milne, West Highland College Broadford

An introduction to Scottish agriculture directly related to crofters and smallholders. Peer-to-peer support and a face-to-face training event with industry experts to give you a step up to starting out in crofting, taking on a croft or to update your knowledge and develop your crofting business.

This highly acclaimed two-day classroom-based course is designed specifically for new or aspiring crofters, successors, smallholders or anyone else interested in this traditional way of life.

Are you a farmer who directly employs seasonal workers? Or a labour provider supplying labour to the agricultural sector in Scotland?

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to undertake research to improve understanding of the labour market in Scottish agriculture in the summer of 2017.

The British Farming Awards are open for nominations in 14 categories. The deadline for entering and making nominations has been extended until 21 July 2017.

These annual awards celebrate the creative thinking, innovation and dedication of Britain's farmers. The awards aim to showcase innovation and adaptability - no matter the size and scale of the business.

So if you know an outstanding Scottish farm, farmer or agricultural student why not nominate them for an award?

A summary report from the recent 'Digital Innovation Hubs: mainstreaming digital agriculture' seminar is now available.

The EIP-AGRI event took place in Kilkenny Ireland on 1-2 June 2017. Around 150 people from 25 countries across Europe got together to share experiences, discuss needs and identify priority actions for developing Digital Innovation Hubs for agriculture.

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