Orkney’s farmers are innovative, productive and central to the islands’ economy, but research activity has not always been shaped by local priorities. This project mapped current agricultural research in Orkney and worked with island stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps and future needs. It sets out a practical route towards a locally driven, place-based model of research that strengthens trust, improves uptake of new technologies and new opportunities, and ensures agricultural research delivers lasting impact for Orkney’s communities.
Main Image: Standing stones on Orkney. Photo credit: Professor Lee Innes.
Stage
Directory of Expertise
Purpose
Agriculture and farming are very important to the economy, culture and heritage in Orkney with 10% of the population employed in agriculture and fishing industries. The islands are predominantly low lying with limited trees and woodland and the land is very productive for agriculture and grassland in particular, to support livestock farming and some arable crops. Due to its size, location and defined boundaries, Orkney has proven to be very well suited for a range of agricultural research projects. However, the sector faces increasing pressure to increase the efficiency of food production while reducing impacts on the environment and protecting nature. Meeting these ambitions requires more than new technologies alone. It demands a clearer understanding of how different farming practices and land use decisions affect productivity, resilience and the environment, whilst learning how research can be better aligned with local priorities.
This project was a collaboration between Moredun Research Institute, the Agronomy and Agricultural Institute at The University of the Highlands and Islands (Orkney), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Orkney Island Council and a number of key stakeholders across the islands involved in agriculture to scope out a locally driven approach to agricultural research in Orkney. The Orcadians have a strong history of being successful innovators and are also aware of the unique opportunities available within Orkney’s landscapes and communities. Improving connectivity and trust between researchers and islanders will ensure that agricultural research delivers practical, relevant and lasting benefits for Orkney.
Birsay, Orkney. Photo credit: Professor Lee Innes
Results
We developed a research directory summarising agricultural research projects relevant to Orkney from 2015 – 2025. Drawing from scientific literature databases, research repositories and the SEFARI website, and supported by interviews with current researchers, the directory provides a clear overview of ongoing and recent activity, which helps identify gaps, overlaps and opportunities.
A stakeholder workshop in Kirkwall provided an opportunity for farmers, researchers and local organisations to discuss their views on future research directions, knowledge gaps, opportunities and challenges for place-based research, their experiences of taking part in research projects, how to improve local involvement and move research into practice and the potential for setting up a “Living Lab” in Orkney.
Key recommendations include establishing a local research hub to improve visibility of research activity, strengthen collaboration and support funding bids; Creating demonstration farms or trial sites to de-risk innovation; and embedding regular knowledge exchange to build trust and widen participation. The timing is significant, as development of the new Scottish Government Strategic Research Programme presents opportunities to co-design research priorities relevant to Orkney. The project also identified new opportunities for education and training to create new skilled jobs and opportunities across the islands. The importance of regular knowledge exchange and communication activities was emphasised to widen participation and impact.
Workshop in Orkney. Photo credit: Professor Lee Innes
Benefits
This project provides a clear framework for shifting from externally driven research towards a locally shaped, place-based model in Orkney.
An inclusive and coordinated approach will:
• encourage new collaborations
• make optimal use of samples and data collected
• avoid duplication
• create long lasting and trusted relationships between researchers and stakeholders
• highlight innovation opportunities
• improve the impact of agricultural research to Orkney
Farmers in Orkney are very innovative and have a high reputation for the quality of their produce. They have a skilled workforce with a strong work ethic and long-standing family ties to the land all of which contributes to the great potential to set up some very interesting and relevant Place-Based agricultural research in Orkney as a template for other geographical areas.
Access the full reports below. Image credit: Professor Lee Innes.
Project Partners
This project was a collaboration between Moredun Research Institute, the Agronomy and Agricultural Institute at The University of the Highlands and Islands (Orkney), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Orkney Island Council