Natural Economy

Is growing potatoes sustainable and profitable?

Potatoes are an amazingly versatile food and an important part of our culture in Scotland. But is growing potatoes sustainable and profitable?…

Dr Phil Burgess
23/01/2023

Farmers urged to benchmark carbon footprint

SAC Consulting has again been awarded the government contract to conduct a nationwide survey which helps farms to save money while also benchmarking their carbon footprint and nitrate. Farms completing the Scottish Farm Business Survey will be given a full carbon footprint measurement using Agrecalc, SAC Consulting’s award-winning farm carbon calculator.…

SRUC
11/01/2023

Potato conference seeks to boost growers’ confidence amid global challenges

The ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine and the pressure of reducing carbon footprints will be on the agenda when Scotland’s biggest potato conference returns in the new year.…

SRUC
19/12/2022

Agriculture Bill provides just transition opportunity, but only if we embrace innovation

I see opportunity, particularly for rapid growth in our natural economy – but only if we take steps to act quickly, decisively and with ambition.…

Prof Wayne Powell, Principal and CEO, SRUC
13/12/2022

Supporting Scotland’s crofting communities

In all the crofting counties, SAC Consulting has a team of local, independent advisors who are well versed in the many aspects of crofting – and there are, indeed, many. Our aim in supporting this vital aspect of agriculture in Scotland is to strengthen and progress modern crofting and give crofters the advice and knowledge that will ensure that they can thrive. …

Siobhan Macdonald
09/12/2022

Diversification guide outlines steps to starting a new business

SAC Consulting – part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has created a Land-based tourism toolkit outlining different types of businesses, recommended skills and relevant course providers. The toolkit, which was funded by the University Innovation Fund, is divided into six sections which can be downloaded for free from SRUC’s website.…

SRUC
08/12/2022

Breathing life back into Scotland’s neglected crofts

SAC Consulting, part of SRUC, has recognised that legislation surrounding crofting is presenting barriers to succession planning and the team has been helping individuals to better understand their options, to maximise the potential of their croft and to support the next generation get a foot hold in the industry.…

SRUC
05/12/2022

SRUC Alliance for the Natural Economy Forum

In this blog piece by Dr Susannah Bolton, she reflects on a dinner held at Scotland House, in the City of London, where SRUC convened a group of people to discuss what a “just transition to a natural economy” really means.…

Dr Susannah Bolton
01/12/2022

Increase in Skye’s corncrake numbers bucks Scotland-wide trend

An annual survey of corncrakes in Scotland recorded an increase in the number of calling males on Skye - despite a three per cent reduction overall in Scotland. …

SRUC
30/11/2022

Scotland’s first peatland restoration course

A new course in peatland restoration - the first of its kind in Scotland - has been developed by SRUC in partnership with NatureScot Peatland ACTION.…

SRUC
03/11/2022

Helping livestock producers to reduce costs and improve farm efficiency this winter

Given that so many costs associated with keeping livestock over the winter have increased substantially recently, most livestock farmers are looking for different ways to manage this challenge. …

Kirsten Williams
25/10/2022

New farmers’ handbook highlights impact of Ukraine conflict

The conflict in Ukraine has hit the agricultural sector hard, leading to some significant changes to gross margins within the 2022/23 edition of the Farm Management Handbook. …

SRUC
17/10/2022