About ‘My food, our world’
These videos profile some of the research being undertaken in Scotland which is contributing to ensuring a safe, healthy and sustainable food supply is available to all, and that the environment we all live in encourages healthier choices.
The work is being undertaken by Scottish Environment, Food and Agricultural Research Institutes (SEFARI) as part of the Strategic research programme and this project is funded by SEFARI Gateway’s Responsive Opportunity Fund.
SEFARI
SEFARI is the collective of six world-leading Scottish Research Institutes working on Environment, Food, Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Economy, Communities, Animal and Plant Disease, Biodiversity, Nutrition and a lot more
Studies have been carried out to identify the ways in which diets rich in oats and barley might improve the health of both the heart and gut. Oats and barley are wholegrains as they are not refined during production and remove the outer layer of the grain.
Domestication has bred out a lot of the goodness of our food and research is ongoing into how the ancient and wild varieties compare to the modern crops.
Barley is an underused food in the modern day and studies are leading to the development of healthy varieties of barley that can be grown in the field and ways in which it can be transitioned into the food supply chain.
Barley is a healthy and sustainable food, which can help Scotland to become a good food nation.
Wild Blaeberries
With sales of blueberries in the UK reaching record levels there has been renewed interest in its wild relative the blaeberry and possible health benefits of these berries.
The aim is to identify a berry that would be suitable for cultivation in Scotland with added health benefits as a novel crop to supply the fresh and high quality juice market as part of a drive to increase the share of UK grown berries on the shop shelves.
The Moredun Research Institute
Moredun Research Institute conducts world class scientific research to improve livestock health and welfare through the prevention and control of infectious diseases of livestock.
Its work has always been firmly based on addressing the needs of the farming industry. With its research leading to the development of many vaccines, diagnostic tests and improved treatment strategies for farm animals across the globe.
James Hutton Institute
The James Hutton Institute is at the forefront of innovative and transformative science for sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that supports thriving communities. Their mission is ‘To conduct excellent science and engage in new ways of working across disciplines, with business, policy and society, that guide contemporary thought and challenge conventional wisdom, ensure trust and deliver the best outcomes for all’.
The Rowett Institute
The Rowett Institute is a vanguard of human nutrition and health research for Scotland, UK and the world. Their mission is ‘to address the big issues of our time including obesity and health, food inequalities, food security, as well as nutritious food that is both environmentally and economically sustainable.
They provide evidence-based research and expertise for government policy development, food and drink industry innovation, as well as for educators and communities.
BioSS
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, BioSS specialises in the development and application of the quantitative methods needed to enhance scientific knowledge and impact.
They are recognised internationally for their work at the interface between the mathematically based sciences and a wide span of applied sciences covering agriculture and the rural economy, the environment, food and health.
Their headquarters are based at Kings Buildings in the James Clerk Maxwell Building
Their vision is to improve science & society through an understanding of variation, uncertainty and risk. Their Mission is to develop and apply quantitative methodologies with a rigorous mathematical and statistical basis.
BioSS research is managed under three broad themes, each receiving substantial funding from the Scottish Government augmented by competitive grants and contracts:
- statistical bioinformatics
- process & systems modelling
- statistical methodology
SRUC
Scotland’s Rural College, SRUC exists to deliver comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industries.
Founded on world-class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy, the integration of these three complementary ‘knowledge exchange’ services is of significant value to learners, businesses and communities alike.
their headquarters are based at Kings Buildings in the Peter Wilson building
SRUC exists to deliver comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industries, founded on world-class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy. Our mission is to create and mobilise knowledge and talent. Partnering locally and globally to benefit Scotland's natural economy.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh delivers world-leading plant science, conservation and education programmes. Our mission is to ‘Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants for a Better Future. The 'Botanics' in Edinburgh and its three Regional Gardens - Benmore, Dawyck and Logan - attract over one million visitors every year. Each Garden is different in topography, soils and climate enabling an exceptionally wide range of plants to be grown. Together they constitute one of the richest plant collections on earth
