Future Policies
Farmer Intentions survey: A comparative analysis of Island and Mainlands smallholder farmers and crofters
Smallholder farming and crofting contributes to the economic development of rural areas and can benefit biodiversity through generally lower intensive management practices. We compare the characteristics, past behaviours and intentions for investments between the islands and the mainland. Using the farmer intentions survey – a survey of 2,494 Scottish farmers conducted in 2018 – and…
Regenerative agriculture matters but let’s not forget about High Nature Value farming systems
In this article for the Press & Journal, Davy McCracken discusses the importance of high nature value farming systems and recognising that supporting and promoting appropriate grazing practices will be important not only for biodiversity but will also have impact on social, cultural and landscape values. You can read the full article by clicking the…
Climate measures must not damage farm biodiversity
In this article for the Press & Journal, Davy McCracken reflects on his recent meeting with the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Islands & Natural Environment Committee and the areas of scrutiny he suggests the committee should focus on during this Parliamentary session. You can read the full article by clicking the link below: McCracken October…
COP26 and the future of farming in the Scottish uplands
In this farming for a better future podcast, Professor Davy McCracken explains the significance of the upcoming COP26 conference as well as discussing the implications of climate changes for farmers within Scotland’s uplands. You can view the whole video by clicking the link below: COP26 and the future of farming in the Scottish uplands
Radical change needed on land use economics
In this article for the Press & Journal Professor Davy McCracken discusses the recurring themes emerging from recent SEDA (Scottish Ecological Design Association) discussions and debates. A key theme discussed was how divorced current farming and forestry policies are from the wider needs of rural areas and wider rural communities. He concludes that there is…
Farm policy clarity needed to help meet climate targets
In this article for the Press & Journal, Professor Davy McCracken discusses the need for action and clarity with regards to future farm policy if climate targets are to be met. Recent key reports such as the Farming for 1.5 degrees report and consultations via the Farmer Led Groups have acknowledged the need for a…
It’s heating up – Beef sector the first focus for climate change groups.
Steven Thomson, Senior Agricultural Economist and Policy Advisor at SRUC, writes in Farm North East reflecting on recent work in the farmer-led climate groups and discusses what policy changes to address climate change may mean for the beef sector. To read and download the full article please follow the link below. For any comments, questions…
A new cycle for sustainable food production in international trade?
In his Farm North East Article, Steven Thomson, Senior Agricultural Economist and Policy Advisor at SRUC, discusses what the next cycle of policy support might bring for UK agriculture and how the changing international agri-food trade landscape could help support a new cycle of sustainable food production. To read and download the full article please…
A roller coaster ride into the future
Steven Thomson, SRUC discusses the various twists, turns and journey into the unknown that farmers currently face due to the uncertainty of future trade arrangements. To read and download the full article please follow the link below. For any comments, questions or queries please visit our contact pages, or email Steven directly on steven.thomson@sruc.ac.uk. A…
The future’s not what it used to be
Steven Thomson from SRUC looks back at the evolution of agricultural support and policies and reflects on what a post-brexit future might hold for the sector. To read and download the full article please follow the link below. For any comments, questions or queries please visit our contact pages, or email Steven directly on steven.thomson@sruc.ac.uk….
