Consulting and Commercial

Turning the Climate Tide: The Integral Role of Sustainable Livestock Practices

Given its significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, livestock farming finds itself in a critical role. Understanding these emissions’ biogenic nature and shorter atmospheric lifespan not only presents a challenge, but also outlines a pathway for effective mitigation efforts.…

Poppy Frater
04/06/2024

From grain to glass: addressing Scope 3 emissions

The carbon footprint of the drinks industry extends beyond the brewery and distillery gates. While direct emissions are often under scrutiny, the indirect Scope 3 emissions, particularly those associated with agricultural supply chains like barley, wheat and hop cultivation, tend to be overlooked. With growing demand for transparency and sustainable practices, addressing and mitigating these Scope 3 emissions is vital to meet global climate change targets.…

Iain Boyd
24/05/2024

Nature and biodiversity strategies: ‘Bio-washing’ in the corporate sphere

England’s new policy on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been introduced this February. Industries aiming to develop land will have to provide 10% net gain in biodiversity, maintained for at least 30 years. The goal? For development to contribute to nature recovery and be nature positive. It may only be a matter of time before Scotland and Wales adopt similar policies as well.…

Tushaani Naudi
24/05/2024

Are cows killing the planet?

“Cows are killing the planet”. This statement is something that is increasingly heard from farmers who believe that this narrative is widely accepted by environmentalists, climate scientists and the…

Séamus Murphy
24/05/2024

The rise of regenerative agriculture for businesses

With the industry committed to promote regenerative agriculture, how can they effectively ensure that targets are delivered on the ground?…

Lorna Cole
24/05/2024

Crop Updates (23 May 2024): Fresh outbreaks of yellow rust in wheat

Our regular round up of the issues affecting crops around Scotland, summarises how crops are developing and what weather and other issues are affecting them. The update provides information on the progress with key field work activities as well as news on the pest, weed and disease problems being noted in crops. The health issues being seen in crops are a key part of the topical update and lets growers and agronomists adjust management practices appropriately.…

SAC Consulting
23/05/2024

Ideas are easy – making them work is what counts

Dragon’s Den is a pop culture cauldron full of new ideas. We watch with bated breath as the intrepid entrepreneurs face the formidable Peter Jones and the team to pitch their business plans.…

Kerry Hammond & Ceri Ritchie
14/05/2024

Crop Updates (9 May 2024): Rhynchosporium in winter barley crops

Our regular round up of the issues affecting crops around Scotland, summarises how crops are developing and what weather and other issues are affecting them. The update provides information on the progress with key field work activities as well as news on the pest, weed and disease problems being noted in crops. The health issues being seen in crops are a key part of the topical update and lets growers and agronomists adjust management practices appropriately.…

SAC Consulting
09/05/2024

Food and drink entrepreneurs can THRIVE with programme insight

Aimed at students, graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs, THRIVE offers the skills vital for concept development and business growth, as well as providing insight focused on legislation, marketing, and manufacturing. …

SRUC
01/05/2024

Bats need dark nights to be farm heroes

A new publication has highlighted the benefits of bats to farming landscapes and what actions farmers can take to support this protected species on their farms.…

SRUC
30/04/2024

New short course lets students of all ages get their hands dirty as tattie roguers

SRUC’s Potato Roguing Course provides students of all ages to learn from our decades of experience, gain a valuable qualification, and have the opportunity to become a key part of Scotland’s world-leading seed potato industry.…

SRUC
17/04/2024

SeedPod marks construction milestone

The new SeedPod industry innovation hub for north-east Scotland’s £2.4 billion food manufacturing sector has marked a major construction milestone. …

SRUC
27/03/2024