Hundreds of agricultural experts from across Europe convened in Edinburgh this week to discuss how they are supporting farmers in achieving net zero goals. Hosted by SRUC, Europe’s largest agricultural consultancy conference was held in Scotland for the first time.
The event was organised in collaboration with 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).
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Each year, these organisations invite members from across Europe to explore a different country, sharing insights, opportunities, research, and ideas. This year, the focus was on how nations integrate education, research, and advisory services to promote best practices in agriculture.
Over four days, the conference featured workshops, keynote speeches, cultural presentations, tours, and networking opportunities, highlighting Scotland’s agricultural landscape. Participants examined how the country fosters collaboration between the rural economy, academia, research, and advisory services to drive sustainable land use.
The 2024 event, themed ‘Adaptation to Net Zero’, kicked off with introductions from SEASN, IALB, and EUFRAS, followed by an overview of the Scottish agricultural system.
Nigel Miller, a livestock farmer, former vet, and past president of NFU Scotland, delivered a keynote address emphasising the critical role of advisory services in European agriculture’s success. Miller, who also co-chaired the Farming for 1.5°C Inquiry and serves on the board of the Moredun Research Institute, brought his extensive experience to the discussion.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in speaker sessions and Q&A panels covering topics such as Scottish agricultural policy, strategies for climate-smart farming, agritourism, and the application of new technologies in advisory services.
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One of the key workshops focused on diversification, agritourism, and consumer trends. This session highlighted the success of Scottish farmers and crofters in building stronger connections with consumers, adding value to their products, and generating new income streams for family-run businesses.
Keynote speakers included Cat Leaver, head of brand and global marketing at VisitScotland, who discussed consumer trends and Scottish tourism at a macro level. Riddle Graham, chairman of Scottish Agritourism, spoke on the sector’s national strategy, the GoRural brand, and the success of the monitor farm program. Sisters Clair and Nikki Sloan of Ardross Farm in Fife shared their family business journey in farming and agritourism, while Calum Johnstone of SAC Consulting provided insights into consultancy services for diversifying rural businesses.
Riddle noted that Scottish Agritourism now recognises 753 agritourism businesses in Scotland, despite being only four years old. These businesses offer a range of accommodations from glamping to luxury stays, alongside farm activities such as tours and ‘day in the life’ experiences, with weddings becoming increasingly popular. He stressed that Agritourism Scotland adheres to a strict policy defining agritourism as ‘tourism or recreation on a working farm, croft, or estate that produces food or fleece’, distinguishing it from general rural tourism.
Clair and Nikki Sloan, who farm 180 Easy Care ewes and 125 Stabiliser cattle, shared how they expanded their farm shop business at Ardross, now working with over 400 businesses to supply local produce, including home-reared beef, lamb, vegetables, and honey. They also openly discussed challenges like retaining staff, responding to consumer demands, to reduce food waste.
Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, also addressed the conference, speaking on how Scottish agriculture is balancing food production, rural livelihoods, and sustainability.
The event followed last year’s conference in Dresden, which focused on ‘The Role of Education and Advice in the Agricultural Transformation Process in the Context of Climate Change,’ with sessions on animal welfare, digitisation, and rural development.
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