Former NFUS president Nigel Miller was this week give a honorary fellowship by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS), alongside Pete Ritchie, from Nourish Scotland and organic farmers, Andrew and Seonag Barbour.

The fellowships were given for ‘their outstanding work towards promoting sustainable farming in Scotland.’ The awards were conferred at RSGS HQ by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP.

“We were very pleased to present RSGS honorary fellowships to Nigel, Pete, Andrew and Seonag, for their collective work as panellists of the Farming for 1.5°C inquiry, and for their individual efforts towards rebuilding our declining biodiversity," commented RSGS chief executive and co-chair of the Farming for 1.5 Inquiry, Mike Robinson.

“The farming sector is absolutely key for Scotland to achieve its target of Net Zero by 2045, requiring full engagement across the sector. Our newest fellows demonstrate not only how sustainable farming can be done here in Scotland, but how it can thrive.”

The inquiry brought together farmers, academics and NGO representatives to publish a consensus pathway for making Scottish farming climate compatible. In a highly praised report produced last year, Farming 1.5: From Here to 2045, it was able to set out a credible way forward, by convening different perspectives and aspirations from farmers, scientists and policy experts.

Nigel Miller, who co-chaired the Farming 1.5°C inquiry, said: “To be recognised by the society is a high point in my life and a real honour and privilege; but also an occasion to feel inadequate compared to those that have gone before and received honours from the RSGS.

"I think the Fellowship is very much for all of my colleagues; the diverse and talented people that have been part of the Farming for 1.5°C inquiry, a group that has worked with a single purpose to map out a positive pathway for agriculture towards the net zero goal.

"It's a pathway that protects communities, the food economy, landscapes and that can also enhance biodiversity. I hope the groups outputs will support the work of the RSGS and will add positive dimensions to Scottish Rural policy as we move closer to 2045.”

Pete Ritchie, of Nourish Scotland, which he co-founded in 2013, also runs Whitmuir Organics with his wife and business partner, Heather Anderson, where they strive to minimise waste and operate sustainably. Pete is a first- generation farmer who was instrumental in setting up the Farming for 1.5°C inquiry.

He said: “It was a great honour to have my work with the Farming for 1.5°C panel recognised by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Unlike so many of those honoured by the society, we didn’t explore remote territories or name new species – but we did venture on to new ground, looking for a way for Scotland to do food better on this small planet. I’m delighted to receive this award.”

Andrew and Seonag Barbour run an organic livestock enterprise with their family in Highland Perthshire. They are leading lights with respect to organic livestock farming and agro-forestry, and contributed to and demonstrate on a daily basis the sustainability measures laid out by the inquiry.

“Agroforestry remains a critical and easy step to deliver net zero for farming in Scotland” commented Andrew. “It is better for the land and the welfare of the animals and I hope will form a central component of future faring practices. We are hugely honoured to receive this recognition from this prestigious society.”