Climate and Environment
Professor Honoured with RHASS Special Medal
Professor Mike Coffey, Head of Animal Breeding & Genomics at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has been awarded the RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) Special Medal for his excellence and contribution to science in the field of animal genetics.…
- SRUC
- 24/07/2024
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Key Scottish sectors warned of doubling of drought events by 2050
Key Scottish industries are being encouraged to do more to adapt to climate change after a study commissioned by SRUC and partners found that the number of water scarcity events in Scotland could double by 2050.…
- SRUC
- 24/07/2024
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Reducing pesticide usage without risking yield
Nested within regenerative and lower input systems are the integrated pest management practices which reduce the risks of pest and disease outbreaks and yield losses. Sustainable and stewarded use of pesticides is integral to our current crop production systems, where they are used to protect yields and, by extension, food security.…
- Fiona Burnett
- 19/06/2024
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Harnessing nature for more resilient agriculture
Healthy ecosystems that support a diversity of species are more effective at recycling nutrients, at providing pollination services, and at regulating pests. In arable systems, focus is typically on actions to improve soil health; cover crops, livestock integration, reduced tillage, incorporating organic matter and reducing synthetic inputs.…
- Lorna Cole
- 17/06/2024
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Turning the Climate Tide: The Integral Role of Sustainable Livestock Practices
Given its significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, livestock farming finds itself in a critical role. Understanding these emissions’ biogenic nature and shorter atmospheric lifespan not only presents a challenge, but also outlines a pathway for effective mitigation efforts.…
- Poppy Frater
- 04/06/2024
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Land management conference to address future training needs
A South West Scotland Future Landscapes Conference, designed to promote links between land management industries and identify future skills and training needs, is being organised by SRUC in collaboration with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and will be held in July.…
- SRUC
- 29/05/2024
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From grain to glass: addressing Scope 3 emissions
The carbon footprint of the drinks industry extends beyond the brewery and distillery gates. While direct emissions are often under scrutiny, the indirect Scope 3 emissions, particularly those associated with agricultural supply chains like barley, wheat and hop cultivation, tend to be overlooked. With growing demand for transparency and sustainable practices, addressing and mitigating these Scope 3 emissions is vital to meet global climate change targets.…
- Iain Boyd
- 24/05/2024
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Nature and biodiversity strategies: ‘Bio-washing’ in the corporate sphere
England’s new policy on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been introduced this February. Industries aiming to develop land will have to provide 10% net gain in biodiversity, maintained for at least 30 years. The goal? For development to contribute to nature recovery and be nature positive. It may only be a matter of time before Scotland and Wales adopt similar policies as well.…
- Tushaani Naudi
- 24/05/2024
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Are cows killing the planet?
“Cows are killing the planet”. This statement is something that is increasingly heard from farmers who believe that this narrative is widely accepted by environmentalists, climate scientists and the…
- Séamus Murphy
- 24/05/2024
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The rise of regenerative agriculture for businesses
With the industry committed to promote regenerative agriculture, how can they effectively ensure that targets are delivered on the ground?…
- Lorna Cole
- 24/05/2024
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Scottish ‘land rush’ shows signs of slowing down
Following a dramatic increase in the value of land in Scotland in recent years due to demand from commercial forestry and natural capital investors, new research has now recorded a slowdown in parts of the market.…
- SRUC
- 08/04/2024
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Royal opening for RAVIC
RAVIC, pioneering new hub established to drive innovation and job creation in Scotland’s health, agriculture and aquaculture sectors, has been officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in Inverness. …
- SRUC
- 26/03/2024
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