Diversification

Diversification Through a Succession Lens

Without a vision for your future, how do you know what you are working towards, or why you are doing what you do? For many farmers and crofters, their purpose comes from a drive to build a sustainable business, produce high-quality nutritious food, and protect and enhance our environment while creating a fulfilling lifestyle for their family.…

SAC Consulting
11/12/2024

Remembering a giant of the Green Revolution

In the wake of his recent death at the grand age of 98, the New York Times obituary for Professor MS Swaminathan labelled him the “scientist who helped conquer famine in India”.…

Wayne Powell
09/10/2023

Small Business Innovation Drives Growth

Scotland’s agrifood sector has many small vibrant, often family, businesses that sustain communities and innovate to drive that all-important economic growth. This innovation and enterprise creation strengthens industry resilience and helps to ensure these businesses grow and develop to support the next generation. …

Sascha Grierson and Ceri Ritchie
03/08/2023

Diversification: Maximising Opportunities for Your Farming Future

Diversification continues to be a key contributor supporting farm business income and is likely to play a crucial role in the future sustainability of Scottish agriculture. …

SRUC
28/07/2023

Embracing nature-based opportunities

It is expected that nature and biodiversity will follow in the footsteps of carbon, with businesses encouraged (and potentially required) to measure and report on their impacts. At SAC Consulting, we are monitoring the development of this space so that we can help our clients navigate the evolving landscape.…

Brady Stevens & Ceri Ritchie
17/04/2023

SRUC Alliance for the Natural Economy Forum – Reflections #2

The second of the Alliance for the Natural Economy Forum dinners, convened by SRUC, was held on 28 March at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.…

Peter Smyth and Susannah Bolton
05/04/2023

Spring into action: Taking advantage of key food and drink trends in 2023

In the food and drink sector, consumers are looking for ‘joy in food’ in 2023, so how can you maximise the impact of this trend for your business? …

Ceri Ritchie
02/03/2023

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

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

Understanding the diversification opportunity

What does diversification do for farming businesses? It can mean different things.…

SRUC
22/09/2022

A time to shine for diversified farming businesses

Following the success of the inaugural award in 2021, AgriScot, in partnership with SAC Consulting, has today launched the 'AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year 2022' award.…

SRUC
25/07/2022

Diversification award goes to Newton Farm

A farm which offers visitors the chance to walk alpacas, feed the animals and groom a highland cow has received a new diversification award.…

SRUC
09/02/2022