Rural Economy

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Dr Ana Vuin

Ana is a human geographer interested in regional development, migration and policy. Her research focuses on rural, remote and sparsely populated areas and communities, with particular focus on mobility drivers and outcomes within these places and communities. She has a background in economics and business management. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC she has received her PhD from Charles Darwin University (Australia) and collaborated with rural communities and stakeholders in South Australia, Northern Sweden and Croatia.

Ana Vuin

Scotland’s Rural College

Peter Wilson Building, The King's Buildings

West Mains Road

Edinburgh

EH9 3JG

Dr Carey Doyle

Carey is a chartered town planner interested in land governance and social equity. Her research focuses on community-led approaches, land and property governance systems, and rural/urban dynamics. She has 20 years of experience across academia, private practice, and the third sector. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC in 2024 she has received her PhD in town planning from Queen’s University Belfast, conducting research there on rural migration, town planning and social diversity.

Carey Doyle

Scotland’s Rural College

Peter Wilson Building, The King's Buildings

West Mains Road

Edinburgh

EH9 3JG

What can we learn from AKIS policies in Europe?

Over the past decade, the European Commission has invested in a series of measures designed to support innovation in agriculture through networking all those involved in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS): farmers, advisors, supply chain members, NGOs and researchers.

SEFARI Gateway Fellowship with The Scottish Hemp Association and Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd - Report

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.

Refreshing crop genetic biodiversity

Genetic biodiversity is the fuel that drives crop improvement. However, in major cereal crops, while the traditional method of crop improvement has brought significant yield improvements over time, it has also resulted in a drastic loss of crop genetic biodiversity.

As a result, many of our crops have lost resilience, becoming potentially vulnerable to a range of stresses, from environmental factors to disease. Continued loss of genetic diversity could severely affect crop yields and threaten the sustainability of economically and socially important end uses.

NMEG report: Improving policy and practice for agricultural nutrient use and management

Domestic agriculture provides most of our food consumption and contributes to export revenues and rural livelihoods. At the same time, it is a key sector where management and production changes can reduce pressure on the environment, including air, water, climate and biodiversity.

More efficient and better targeted use of nutrients both in crop and livestock production has positive impacts on a range of policy outcomes in the UK, as has been highlighted in policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, circular economy, competitiveness and public health.

Assessing Scotland’s self-sufficiency of major food commodities

Achieving food security has gained prominence in the present policy agenda to increase resilience to adverse events. Using a novel method, we estimated the food balance sheets of Scotland, and assessed the self-sufficiency of major food commodities for the first time. We found that Scotland can produce enough cereal, potatoes, lamb, beef, dairy, and eggs to meet its own needs, but it still depends on imports of poultry and pork. Wheat and dairy from Scotland are especially important, as they significantly contribute to the nation's overall energy, protein, and fat intake.

ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference 2024 - Posters

Posters, showcasing research across the ENRA Portfolio, submitted to and Presented at this year's ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference.

The Invisible Pillars of Community: Rural women in Agriculture

On October 11, 2024, the UN Women published a statement in anticipation of the International Day of Rural Women. As this day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the narratives surrounding women in rural areas.

Climate Change Adaptation: 2nd Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Science, Evidence and Policy Conference

Following the success of the first ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference last year, the conference returned this year to provide a forum to discuss key cross cutting strategic issues affecting Scotland’s environment, communities and rural economy. In addition to showcasing excellence in Scottish Government funded research, the event facilitates building networks and collaborations across science and policy - vital for effective and timely action for climate change adaptation.