Sustainability

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

Inspiration for next generation of entrepreneurs

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, CEO of Edinburgh-based Invisible Cities, which trains people affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides, has been speaking to students at SRUC.…

SRUC
29/04/2024

Partnering across continents to improve livelihoods

The work of scientists and farmers in Scotland to breed more productive dairy cows has paid off both at home and on the African continent – thanks to support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.…

SRUC
15/04/2024

Embracing Industrial Strategy: Pioneering High-Value Manufacturing in Food and Drink

With a UK General Election expected this year, industrial policy – the concept of direct government intervention to boost particular sectors of the economy – is moving into the spotlight.…

Wayne Powell
30/01/2024

African project wins SRUC’s Enterprise Challenge competition

An Edinburgh student looking to improve food systems in Africa has been named overall winner of the annual Enterprise Challenge competition run by SRUC.…

SRUC
29/01/2024