Innovation

Know a farmer or farm business that deserves recognition? Enter or make a nomination for the British Farming Awards 2016 by 15 July.

Now in its fourth year, the awards recognise the hard work, innovation and determination of farming and showcase the achievements of farmers working in the UK agricultural industry.

A report has been published looking at options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Scottish farms.

The ClimateXchange report considers 20 options to reduce emissions including changes in management of fertiliser, soil and manure, livestock feeding and energy use.

Some of these changes require an investment in new tools, equipment or other installations on farm.

The Amsterdam Rural Forum and National Rural Networks meeting brought delegates from across Europe to Amsterdam on 11 and 12 May for presentations, workshops, performances and even milk tasting!

This inspiring event was a chance to hear about innovative rural development projects making use of the arts and to reflect on how we, at National Rural Network Support Units, can be more creative in our work.

The Scottish Rural Parliament are holding events across the country to help them create a Manifesto for Rural Scotland.

Ann-Marie Meikle and Don Morrison from the Scottish Rural Network Support Unit attended events in Inverclyde on 4 May and Newtonmore on 17 May to find out more.

A new brochure highlighting innovative projects from across Europe is now available.

Share your views about the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI) in a short online survey.

The agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) works to foster competitive and sustainable farming and forestry that 'achieves more and better from less'. It was launched in 2012 by the European Commission.

The deadline for applications to the Beef Efficiency Scheme has been extended until 15 June 2016.

A deadline extension has been announced by the new Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, for the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES), meaning farmers now have until 15 June 2016 to apply for a share of up to £45 million beef sector support scheme.

The previous deadline for applications was Tuesday 31 May.

In this article, Anne Connor - Chief Executive of Out of the Box - tells us about their work to find out how rural communities can work well for older people.

News from Scottish Borders LEADER

Scottish Borders LEADER is now ready to receive applications for LEADER programme funding.

Rather than having one big launch event, we are holding a series of targeted meetings directed at specific rural areas and sectors in the Scottish Borders.

A Community Share Offer has been launched to help raise over £1.5 million of investment to create Scotland's first community-owned craft whisky distillery.

Glenwyvis Distillery Community Benefit Society, based in the Highland town of Dingwall, has launched the Community Share Offer in conjunction with Community Shares Scotland (CSS).