Microbes play a wide variety of essential roles in keeping our guts healthy and in supporting food and agriculture production. Conversely, some microbial populations can cause serious disease, as foodborne pathogens or infectious agents of food-producing animals and crops.
The food system, which includes agriculture, land use, storage, transport, packaging, processing, retail and consumption already accounts for 21-37% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, if we are to meet the Scottish Government’s climate target by 2045, relying on conventional agriculture systems is no longer an option and we will need to work together to find alternative solutions.
During the creation of this virtual tour, we were welcomed to Fineview and the lush green gently sloping hills of Glenluce, an amazing innovative and award winning farm enterprise. The project brought farmers and researchers together to discuss the underpinning science, its application and utilisation in practice.
This year SEFARI and SEFARI Gateway are delighted to be working on a number of activities around the Presidency theme of Scotland’s food journey and food stories, and more details will appear here shortly.
In addition, the James Hutton Institute, Moredun Research Institute, Rowett Institute and Scotland's Rural College will again all have they familiar pavilion presences and a full series of engagements and activities.
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The global food system is thought to account for around one third of global greenhouse emissions which contribute to climate change. It is estimated that food production, which includes growing, transport and processing, contributes to 15-30% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK.
‘You do not like them. So you say. Try them! Try them! And you may. Try them and you may, I say.’
I suspect farmers feel like they receive plenty of advice served up in the relentless manner of Sam in Dr Seuss’ children’s book, Green Eggs and Ham. Tellingly, the well-meaning advisors are frequently not farmers.
What is the problem?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms become resistance to drugs used to control or eradicate them. These drugs arguably paved the way for our modern lifestyle, where infections can be routinely treated and controlled to the point many are considered minor. It has also allowed complicated surgeries to be carried out without the risk of infection.
In an ever-changing world, it is essential that individuals are able to access, and act upon, the most relevant information and advice, and no more so than in agriculture. In this technologically-evolving age, finding information is not an issue, but finding information that is trustworthy, and in a format that is fit for purpose, can be challenging.
Alongside other activities, agriculture and food production are associated with the major pollutant gases, namely CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane) and N2O (nitrous oxide). Unsustainable practices increase emissions and can have a direct impact on the functioning and health of our ecosystems.
The Royal Highland Show represents one of the key gatherings for the Portfolio, exemplifying its role in partnering research and expertise with and across policy, industry and communities.
In this booklet find out about a range of our activities during the 2022 show (23rd-26th June). Activities are taking place across the showground, at venues such as the Scottish Government Pavilion and the SEFARI Institute Pavilions, and a map is included at the back of the booklet.