SRUC to host prestigious international agriculture conference
The IALB, EUFRAS and SEASN Conference will take place in Edinburgh from 10-13 September 2024
Hundreds of agricultural experts from across Europe will gather in Edinburgh to discuss how they are helping their countries’ farmers to adapt to net zero targets.
Hosted by SRUC, the continent’s largest agricultural consultancy conference is coming to Scotland for the very first time.
Event partners, the International Academy for Rural Consulting (IALB), European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services (EUFRAS) and South Eastern Europe Advisory Service Network (SEASN) invite their members from across Europe to come and experience the event in a new country each year, to share learnings, opportunities, research and ideas, looking at how different countries integrate education and research with advisory to deliver best practice across the sector.
Through a range of workshops, keynote addresses, cultural showcases, tourist experiences and networking opportunities, the conference will explore the Scottish agricultural system over four days of activity, and how it builds and leverages relationships between people working in the rural economy and those working across research, education, and advisory to enhance the sustainability of rural land-use in Scotland.
The theme of the 2024 event is ‘Adaption to Net Zero’ and promises a mix of inspiration, learning, networking, and knowledge exchange.
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive at SRUC, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious conference, which will provide numerous opportunities for delegates to learn, and engage with, our innovative agri-food landscape in Scotland. SRUC carries out research in more than 100 countries, and this event provides us with an excellent chance to further showcase our own innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Delegates will find out more, for example, about GreenShed – a revolutionary project which uses cattle waste products to power a methane-capturing system and grow indoor crops.
“We can’t wait to showcase the many sights, sounds, tastes, projects, systems, and experiences which contribute to Scotland’s rich agricultural heritage.”
The 2024 conference will kick off with an introduction from SEASON IALB and EUFRAS, who will then discuss the Scottish System.
A keynote by Nigel Miller will address the role of advice in supporting European agriculture to thrive. Mr Miller is a livestock farmer and former vet from the Scottish Borders and was President of NFU Scotland, co-chair of the Farming for 1.5°C Inquiry, and is on the board of the Moredun Research Institute.
Attendees will have the opportunity to join various speaker sessions and Q&As covering topics like agricultural policy in Scotland, advisory approaches for climate-friendly agriculture, agritourism, new technology for advisors, and more.
The event will also feature Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity at the Scottish Government, speaking on how Scottish agriculture balances food production, rural livelihoods, and sustainability.
It follows last year’s conference which was hosted in Dresden and focused on ‘The role of education and advice in the transformation process of agriculture – in the context of climate change’ with sessions on animal welfare, digitisation, and the development of rural areas.
The 63rd IALB 13th EUFRAS 10th SEASN Conference is being held at Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, from 10-13 September.
To find out more or register to attend, visit: https://www.sruc.ac.uk/eufras, or for sponsorship enquiries, please email conferences@sruc.ac.uk. Ticket sales close on 26 August at 9am.
Posted by SRUC on 07/08/2024
