Documents

Animal welfare relies on both the prevention of suffering and the facilitation of positive experiences. A growing body of academic literature considers the concept of ‘animal agency’ to be a key organising principle of positive welfare - over and above having good things, positive welfare is about doing them. 

We are delighted to share with you the latest copy of the ELPEG Bulletin. The bulletins are produced every six months and summarise the biodiversity research that is happening within the Strategic Research Programme. The bulletins aim to provide a policy relevant summary of the research. 
The October 2025 bulletin can be accessed here. 
 

Pictures and biographies of food security conference speakers.

Edinburgh: 5 - 7th November, 2025.

Attendance by invite only.

Ticks are external blood-sucking parasites that feed on a variety of hosts including livestock, wildlife and humans. The most common tick in the UK is the sheep tick (Ixodes [I.] ricinus) which is indiscriminate, feeding on a wide range of hosts, from birds to small and large mammals, including humans, whereas many other species of ticks feed more selectively on specific animal species. The sheep tick can carry pathogens responsible for several diseases including louping ill (LI), tickborne fever (TBF), babesiosis (red water), Lyme disease, tick pyaemia and tickborne encephalitis (TBE). 

This is a redacted version of survey outputs where personal details have been removed. The response have been provided by individual researchers. For GDPR reasons their details are not provided here. 

Should you wish to learn more about the models, please contact the named organisations directly.

An online tool is being developed using artificial intelligence to provide convenient access to biosecurity advice for farmers. Initial development and testing of the proof of concept has produced a shiny app. 

Available at: https://epidemiology.sruc.ac.uk/shiny/apps/bitesize-biosecurity/

Welcome to this, our seventh ELPEG bulletin of the 2022-2027 RESAS Strategic Research Programme. The aim of this bulletin is to provide policy makers with updates on the research on biodiversity that is happening within the strategic research programme. The bulletin covers work from Topic D4 (Biodiversity) and the biodiversity elements within the air pollution Topic (D1).

Ann McLaren & Nicola Lambe

The objective of this work is to determine what additional data would be beneficial, alongside the existing statutory data currently recorded through ScotEID, to incorporate into a “MyFlockStats” decision-making tool to help drive efficiency in the sheep sector. This report is intended to be a preliminary feasibility study to inform any future development, commissioning and operation of a “MyFlockStats” system to assist in the improvement of efficient sheep production in Scotland as part of the aims of the Vision for Agriculture.

SACAPP presentation by Alison Karley on 'aphids: the secrets of their success'

SSCR presentation by Alison Karley on 'the highs and lows of aphid control using alternatives to pesticides'

Workshop by SAC potatoes team on farm saved seed

This report explores the health and wellbeing benefits of NHS Scotland’s outdoor spaces, looking at how they are used and estimating the value of the benefits gained from spending time in them.

The full report can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.57064/2164/25103

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.

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

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).

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.