The SEFARI Gateway Waste Emissions Science Advisory Group has undertaken a comprehensive review of methodologies used for estimating and forecasting greenhouse gas emissions across Scotland. This analysis spans various technologies including landfill, anaerobic digestion and composting, waste incineration, and wastewater treatment. As Scotland aims to meet stringent environmental targets, ensuring these methodologies are accurate, adaptable, and comprehensive is crucial.
The purpose of this guide is to outline options and considerations for businesses and organisations interested in developing controlled environment growing enterprises in the Highlands and Islands. It is intended for both existing growers looking to diversify their production systems and for businesses, community groups, SMEs, and enterprises with little or no background in horticulture.
Agriculture is central to the economy, culture and heritage in Orkney and the successful adoption of new research and technology may bring significant benefits to the islands. Key challenges to the industry are to increase the efficiency of food production while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The Orcadians have a strong history of being successful innovators and are also aware of the unique opportunities available within Orkney's landscapes and communities.
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The 12th edition of The Spark, SEFARI Gateway’s Newsletter, an update on the latest research developments from the Scott
Scotland is facing many climate pressures, including increased risk of flooding, water scarcity and supply challenges. Remote coastal communities are at risk of these pressures but necessarily deal with them in ways different to more connected and larger settlements. This report presents the findings of an investigation into the perceptions of water-related issues, and the actions being taken by a number of case study remote coastal communities. Findings show resilience comes in the form of social capital, collaboration and community cohesion, while there are opportunities for related policy to support community
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A presentation outlining an assessment of the outcomes of the requirement for each member state to include ‘AKIS ’ within their Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans (2023-2027).
Authors: Prof Lee-Ann Sutherland and Dr Katrin Prager.
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The research aims to evaluate the implementation and emergent outcomes of the AKIS measures identified in European member states’ CAP Strategic Plans (2023- 2027).
Authors: Prof Lee-Ann Sutherland and Dr Katrin Prager.
The aim of this fellowship was to identify current and potential market opportunities and describe the supply chain for hempseed and fibre in Scotland.
Author: Dr Wisdom Dogbe.
Methane is the prominent GHG from agriculture, accounting for 59% of agricultural emissions. Enteric methane, produced by ruminants as they digest feed, is the major source of these emissions. There are several options to reduce enteric methane emissions, some of which could deliver reductions in the short to medium term (e.g. dietary), and some of which are considered longer-term strategies (e.g., breeding).
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The 11th edition of The Spark, SEFARI Gateway’s Newsletter, an update on the latest research developments from the Scottish Government’s Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) strategic research programme.
This brief outlines a policy analysis and literature review that were conducted to consider the pros and cons of Defra’s proposals for improving animal welfare. Defra and the devolved authorities consulted (March - May 2024) on introducing stricter rules around country of origin and expanding method of production labelling (5-tiers) to chicken and pork.
Project's aim was to establish whether data are currently collected by industry bodies operating within the Scottish lamb sector on (a) the use of castration and tail docking and (b) the methods employed to perform these procedures. If such data are collected, they may offer a way for Scottish Government to benchmark current practices and to monitor future trends.
This report was funded by the Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services Division of the Scottish Government Underpinning National Capacity Support to Policy Function.
Soil maps in Scotland can be up to 70 years old, however, they remain as relevant today as they did when the soils were first mapped. This briefing note discusses how short-term changes, associated with soil management practices, do not fundamentally change the soil forming processes.
A report comparing the nutritional profile of several harvests of seed form NE Scottish farms growing hemp
Poster, presented at the 98th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Society.
Rathnayaka, S. D., Giha, C. L. R., & de Roos, B. (2024). Assessing Scotland’s self-sufficiency of major food commodities. Poster session presented at 98th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Society, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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October 2024 ELPEG Bulletin which summarises the latest Scottish Government funded Strategic Research Programme biodiversity research.
A final briefing, by Benjamin JJ McCormick (a SEFARI Gateway Fellow), on he's work on ‘estimating the nutrient value of agricultural products’
Final Fellowship project slides 'estimating the nutrient value of agricultural products' - Benjamin JJ McCormick