In this case study, we describe field investigations of liver fluke risk to livestock associated with grazing under two different agri-environmental schemes and discuss best practice for conservation grazing and sustainable fluke control.
Control of plant diseases such as potato late blight relies heavily on the use of crop protection products such as fungicides. New fungicides are constantly needed as older products face pathogen resistance to them, tighter regulation, and the desire for products with improved environmental and toxicological profiles. Consequently, there is a large global market for crop protection chemicals, which was valued at over $55 billion in 2018.
Arable crops like wheat and barley, are frequently under attack from diseases, weeds, insects and slugs. These lead to reductions in yield and affect the profitability of farms and the price of produce. To protect crops there is a heavy reliance on pesticides. We are currently researching ways to maintain crop yields and bring wider environmental benefits in an approach known as integrated pest management (IPM). This is a holistic approach to management which maximizes profitability and minimises any negative impacts on the environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated our need to use new digital technologies to communicate. Video conferencing has quickly become the preferred communication avenue for colleagues and families – we’ve all become Zoom experts, Teams champions and WebEx authorities. Online forums have refocused to answer questions such as: does Teams have breakout rooms? Where is the WebEx whiteboard? How do you get out of the Zoom waiting room?
Natural capital approaches involve identifying, understanding, and measuring the relative contribution of nature to economic performance and human well-being. By adopting the language of business, natural capital approaches allow the natural environment to be included in discussions about business decisions. Five land-based businesses across Scotland have trialled various natural capital approaches in recent years, including the Natural Capital Protocol (NCP) and Corporate Natural Capital Accounting (CNCA).
Natural capital underpins sustainability and refers to the stocks of natural resources, which include geology, soil, air, water, and all living things. Natural capital accounting involves understanding, measuring, and assigning values to calculate the contribution of nature to economic activity and human well-being.
Professor Lee Innes (Director of Communication at Moredun Research Institute) discussing "What do Scots want for the future of food and farming".
Professor Rowland Kao (Chair of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh) discussing One Health approaches to emergent infections under climate change and threats to biodiversity.
Professor Liz Grant (Director, Global Health Academy at the University of Edinburgh) Generation Alpha: what skills, training and technology will they need to equip them for One Health.
Professor Lisa Boden (Chair of Population Medicine and Veterinary Health Policy, Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Edinburgh) Introducing the concept of One Health: how the health of people, animals and the environment interconnect.