The 11th edition of The Spark, SEFARI Gateway’s Newsletter, an update on the latest research developments from the Scottish Government’s Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) strategic research programme.
Achieving food security has gained prominence in the present policy agenda to increase resilience to adverse events. Using a novel method, we estimated the food balance sheets of Scotland, and assessed the self-sufficiency of major food commodities for the first time. We found that Scotland can produce enough cereal, potatoes, lamb, beef, dairy, and eggs to meet its own needs, but it still depends on imports of poultry and pork. Wheat and dairy from Scotland are especially important, as they significantly contribute to the nation's overall energy, protein, and fat intake.
Antibiotic usage
Ruth is a barley geneticist with the International Barley Hub based at the James Hutton Institute. Ruth is interested in improving the long-term sustainability of barley. Her current work focuses on developing barley material with improved genetic diversity.
Following the success of the first ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference last year, the conference returned this year to provide a forum to discuss key cross cutting strategic issues affecting Scotland’s environment, communities and rural economy. In addition to showcasing excellence in Scottish Government funded research, the event facilitates building networks and collaborations across science and policy - vital for effective and timely action for climate change adaptation.
The GO Falkland event came back for its second year, after last year’s success, offering a thought-provoking two-day programme, packed with talks and panel discussions by representatives of the land-based industries in Scotland, policymakers, and scientists – all providing their perspective on regenerative land use in Scotland and beyond.
This year's topic is Food production, Security and Exports and the event is open to all with prior registration. During the event, soil science, food production, food quality, regulation, safety of processing and distribution will be discussed, plus the imperative of long-term supply security. The speakers will offer short, appropriately provocative presentations which will be followed by facilitated dialogue between the speakers and the audience.
Sorry, this event has already happened. Have a look at our upcoming events.
The project began following a previous year’s Royal Highland Show, where SEFARI colleagues such as the Rowett Institute, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Moredun have presences at the event.
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by fungal infection of agricultural crops. Several hundred mycotoxins have been characterized in a wide range of food crops around the world, and new mycotoxins and mycotoxin metabolites are continuously discovered. Mycotoxins can cause adverse health effects in humans including cancer, gastrointestinal disturbances or suppression of the immune system.
Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Strategic Research Programme 2022-2027 – End of Project Report - Barley to Support Food and Drink Innovation (RI-B7-03).