Hundreds of agricultural specialists from across Europe will convene in Edinburgh to discuss strategies for assisting farmers in meeting net zero targets.

Hosted by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), this will be the first time the continent’s largest agricultural consultancy conference is held in Scotland.

Event partners—the International Academy for Rural Consulting (IALB), the European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services (EUFRAS), and the South Eastern Europe Advisory Service Network (SEASN)—invite their members to experience the conference in a different country each year. The aim is to exchange knowledge, research, and best practices while examining how various countries integrate education and advisory services to advance the sector.

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Over four days, the conference will feature workshops, keynote speeches, cultural presentations, tourist experiences, and networking opportunities. It will delve into Scotland’s agricultural system, exploring how it fosters relationships between rural economy professionals and those involved in research, education, and advisory roles to enhance the sustainability of rural land use in Scotland.

The 2024 event’s theme, ‘Adaptation to Net Zero,’ promises a blend of inspiration, learning, networking, and knowledge sharing.

Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive at SRUC, commented: We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious conference, which will provide numerous opportunities for delegates to learn, and engage with, our innovative agri-food landscape in Scotland. SRUC carries out research in more than 100 countries, and this event provides us with an excellent chance to further showcase our own innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Delegates will find out more, for example, about GreenShed – a revolutionary project which uses cattle waste products to power a methane-capturing system and grow indoor crops.

“We can’t wait to showcase the many sights, sounds, tastes, projects, systems, and experiences which contribute to Scotland’s rich agricultural heritage.”

The 2024 conference will commence with an introduction from SEASN, IALB, and EUFRAS, followed by discussions on the Scottish System.

Nigel Miller will deliver a keynote on the role of advisory services in supporting the prosperity of European agriculture. Miller, a livestock farmer and former vet from the Scottish Borders, has served as President of NFU Scotland, co-chaired the Farming for 1.5°C Inquiry, and is a board member of the Moredun Research Institute.

Participants will be able to attend various sessions and Q&As on topics including Scottish agricultural policy, climate-friendly advisory methods, agritourism, and new technologies for advisors.

The event will also feature Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity at the Scottish Government, who will discuss how Scottish agriculture balances food production, rural livelihoods, and sustainability.

This follows last year’s conference in Dresden, which focused on ‘The Role of Education and Advice in the Agricultural Transformation Process – Considering Climate Change,’ with sessions on animal welfare, digitisation, and rural development.

The 63rd IALB, 13th EUFRAS, and 10th SEASN Conference will be held at Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, from September 10 - 13.

For more information or to register, visit: https://www.sruc.ac.uk/eufras. For sponsorship inquiries, email conferences@sruc.ac.uk. Ticket sales close on August 26 at 9am.