Farming

A research and innovation company is looking to acquire samples from anaerobic digesters used to dispose of sheep waste.

Dr Adam Ostrowski works at the Dundee-based APS Biocontrol where they develop biocontrol measures to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Their technology is based on the use of bacteriophages, naturally occurring antagonists of bacteria, which can be found in the same environment as the bacteria they target.

Rural Payments and Services have produced a short film highlighting how the Scottish Government and the Forestry Commission are preparing the ground for a new generation of farmers.

In the film, which you can view below, Robin Waddell of Forestry Commission Scotland interviews farmer Archie Paterson about his experience as a new entrant renting publicly owned land.

For Peat's Sake - Managing Peatlands and Upland Grazing

Peatlands – friend or foe? This interactive meeting will focus on the current and future role that peatlands play within our hill farms.

Currently a valuable carbon sink, flood water store, wildlife habitat and clean water filter, will peatlands prove to be a future ‘cash cow’ for hill farms?

How can you, as farmers, increase the value of peatlands by restoration and, most importantly, how is this funded? 

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.

Inspired by the Scottish Crofting Federation, a group of Scottish smallholders has set up a new organisation to represent and support their community.

Scottish Smallholder Festival

The Scottish Smallholder Festival is Scotland’s largest smallholder event, celebrating the best of Scottish smallholding, growing and craft.

Organised by smallholders and growers, it is aimed at all those with an interest in the productive use of small land holdings. The next Festival will be held on Saturday 23rd September 2017 at Lanark Agricultural Centre.

Dumfries & Galloway LEADER are delighted to confirm that they have awarded just over £740,000 to a number of diverse and innovative projects over the past six months. 

Rural Enterprise

Project: Hold the Front Page!

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a new group to ensure women are better represented in farming.

The Women in Agriculture taskforce will look at issues including better access to training and progression within the agricultural industry and better succession planning. The group will be co-chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing and Joyce Campbell, a farmer and entrepreneur based in North Sutherland.

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