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.

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.

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Developing Dialogues on Land Use Decision Making for Natural Capital

Spurred in part by Scottish government policies such as the commitment to reach Net Zero by 2045, there has been an increase in investment in land for natural capital purposes in Scotland. This project builds on and provides tools, capacity, and knowledge regarding good community engagement practice for communities and land owner-investors impacted by these land use changes.

The Three A’s of innovation - Agritech, Animal Health and Aquaculture

Ahead of this year’s A3 Scotland Conference in Inverness, we thought we’d highlight a few examples of how we contribute to the Agritech, Animal Health and Aquaculture sector. A sector key to innovation in Scotland which is supporting a sustainable future for our communities, places and environment.

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45th TB Macaulay Lecture

This year's TB Macaulay Lecture will be delivered by globally renowned environmental expert, Professor Gretchen C. Daily on 10th September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. In her lecture, she will describe how important it is to understand human dependence on nature, from the material basics such as nutrition, health, climate security and economic security, to the more ethereal concepts of belonging, beauty, and spirit.

10 September 2024 - 17:00

Sorry, this event has already happened. Have a look at our upcoming events.

Food for Thought: Soil, Food, Farming and Trade - Border Union Agricultural Society Business Breakfast, Kelso, 26 July 2024

The talks started with a provocation on the topic of soil from Professor Lorna Dawson, SEFARI Gateway Knowledge Exchange Lead for Environment and Senior Soil Scientist at the James Hutton Institute. She discussed the devastation from the dust bowl in the 1930s when an estimated 1.2 billion tons of soil were lost across 100 million acres in the US, to the current regenerative farming practices, which help to protect our soils. Lorna spoke about how, without living plant roots and fungal networks to hold soil in place, strong winds and floods can seriously erode our precious soils that deliver so many of the services on our planet such as fresh water, clean air and nutritious food.

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