Natural Economy

Reducing pesticide usage without risking yield

Nested within regenerative and lower input systems are the integrated pest management practices which reduce the risks of pest and disease outbreaks and yield losses. Sustainable and stewarded use of pesticides is integral to our current crop production systems, where they are used to protect yields and, by extension, food security.…

Fiona Burnett
19/06/2024

Harnessing nature for more resilient agriculture

Healthy ecosystems that support a diversity of species are more effective at recycling nutrients, at providing pollination services, and at regulating pests. In arable systems, focus is typically on actions to improve soil health; cover crops, livestock integration, reduced tillage, incorporating organic matter and reducing synthetic inputs.…

Lorna Cole
17/06/2024

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

Land management conference to address future training needs

A South West Scotland Future Landscapes Conference, designed to promote links between land management industries and identify future skills and training needs, is being organised by SRUC in collaboration with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and will be held in July.…

SRUC
29/05/2024

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

New project to map landowners in Scotland

With concentration of landownership in Scotland the highest in Europe, new research aims to understand whether recent land transactions are leading to - and fuelled by - land use change, such as towards achieving net zero.…

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

SRUC and HIE partnership to benefit rural economy

A new collaboration focusing on land and sea-based innovation is aiming to boost the Highlands and Islands economy.…

SRUC
09/04/2024

Scotland Office Minister visits Barony

Scotland Office Minister John Lamont visited SRUC to see how digital innovation funded by more than £21 million of UK Government investment is helping to grow the rural economy.…

SRUC
15/02/2024