How might our farmers adapt to a public money for public goods regime?

There is still a lot of water to flow under the bridge before the scale and shape of future public funding to farmers and other land managers becomes clearer. But with Brexit rapidly approaching – and with each new model of theoretical scenarios suggesting that major changes to current support levels are inevitable – then one major topic of debate revolves around the suggestion that future support for land management will primarily be targeted at the provision of public goods.

The economic cost of animal disease: Winners and losers from Johne’s disease

SEFARI scientists, in collaboration with other research partners, provide evidence which informs the Scottish Government about the economic consequences of animal diseases. Our multi-disciplinary approach uses a mathematical and economic model to explore the winners and losers of Johne’s disease in the Scottish dairy herd. Our results indicate the extent to which both farmers of dairy herds infected with Johne’s and milk consumers, lose out as a result of the disease, while farmers of uninfected herds benefit.

Thomson, S., Et al. (2018) Farm Workers in Scottish Agriculture: Case Studies in the International Seasonal Migrant Labour Market

This report presents key findings from a project which aimed to provide a better understanding of the use of seasonal workers of non-UK origin in Scottish agriculture.  Evidence was collected from a range of sources including Scottish Government administrative data, surveys of farmers and seasonal migrant workers, farmer and wider stakeholder interviews, and group interviews with seasonal migrant workers.

The Fruits of Their Labour: Seasonal Farm Workers in Scottish Agriculture

Scotland’s agricultural sector relies heavily on seasonal non-UK workers, particularly from central and eastern Europe, to meet its labour demand. Despite their importance for this sector, there was a lack of detailed information about them This case study draws on findings from SRUC’s recent study, funded by the Scottish Government, which aimed to improve our understanding of the labour market in Scottish agriculture. 

Celebrating young people in Scotland’s land based industries

If you are planning to attend this year’s Royal Highland Show, you could join us for our networking event celebrating the place of young people in Scotland’s land based industries.

The opening address will be delivered by the Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, followed by contributions from Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive, Scotland's Rural College and a personal perspective from Sarah Millar, Farming and Land Use Manager, Soil Association Scotland.

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

Scotland's Food Future: Showcase at the Scottish Parliament

Scotland’s thriving food and drink industry is a major contributor to the economy, worth £14 billion each year. Ambition 2030, the new industry-led strategy, aims to increase the value of the sector in Scotland to £30 billion by 2030. This is to be achieved in the context of some significant challenges.

The global population continues to rise, there are fewer resources available, and we have a changing climate. We live in a period of geopolitical change, and we must ensure that economic growth is not at the expense of public health or our natural capital.