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Beef production is very important for Scotland's economy (economic output of ÂŁ851 million in 2017) and for providing the high quality and iconic, âScotch Beefâ brand. Feed for livestock represents 70-80% of the variable costs of beef production and an improvement of feed conversion efficiency is needed to keep the beef industry economically viable.
Innovation is one of the three key drivers to achieving Ambition 2030, the industry-led strategy for the future growth of Scotlandâs food and drink sector. Ambition 2030 sets a headline target of doubling the economic value of the sector by 2030, doing so responsibly, and recognising that skills and collaboration are vital.
Take a look our visualization of the network of researchers in the Scottish Governmentâs Strategic Research Programme (SRP) as an illustration of just how complicated things can get! The image shows the complex connections between the researchers involved in the SRP (the bigger the node or circle - the bigger the level of interaction and lines represent linkages).
Food and Drink is a hugely important sector for Scotland and the UK economy, generating a turnover of ÂŁ14.4 billion and ÂŁ5.3 billion of GVA (gross value added) for the Scottish economy in 2014 alone. This sector not only has an impact on Scotlandâs economy but food production can also has a significant influence on our environment, health and society and these are all areas that SEFARI research aims to a make a difference.
You may be wondering what we can do to help? Well, at the Centre for Sustainable Cropping (CSC) near Dundee, weâre aiming to develop a cropping system that can produce high quality food, whilst still maintaining a healthy environment. This means using what we understand about ecology to work with the environment to improve the health and physical structure of the soil, minimise the losses of nutrients and chemicals from cultivated fields, and support a rich variety of farmland wildlife.
Scotland's growing deer population presents major environmental, economic and public safety challenges, making sustainable deer management an increasingly important policy priority. Creating stronger markets for venison is essential to improving the economic viability of deer management and increasing the utilisation of sustainably sourced wild deer.
In 2023 The Knowledge Bank reported that Scottish venison sales grew by nine percent in Britain and had a 20 percent share of value sales.
By exploring trends in the British retail venison market between 2013 and 2024 using supermarket purchasing data from around 30,000 households, this study examines consumer demand, retailer offerings, product origin and competition with other meats. Although venison remains a very small share of the meat market, the research identifies changing patterns in retail supply and the factors that influence consumer purchasing. These findings provide evidence to support future market development for the venison sector.
Photo credit: Tullia Dean
Across a range of episodes, researchers from SEFARI institutes have shared how their work is tackling real-world challenges. In the latest episode, Dame Professor Lorna Dawson, explores how soil science has been used in criminal investigations, while also highlighting its role in addressing rural crime.
As improving nutritional quality and sustainability can raise production costs, understanding willingness to pay is crucial. This study shows that taste and price are the strongest drivers of UK cheese purchases. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for Scottish cheddar, though a âBritishâ label generates higher perceived value. Sustainability claims, especially âCarbon Neutralâ, and nutrition messaging such as âHigh in Proteinâ, further increase willingness to pay and strengthen product appeal.