Take a look our visualization of the network of researchers in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme (SRP) as an illustration of just how complicated things can get! The image shows the complex connections between the researchers involved in the SRP (the bigger the node or circle - the bigger the level of interaction and lines represent linkages).
Leaving the European Union could have major repercussions on a wide range of environmental and land use concerns within Scotland, and across the whole of the UK. Whilst some of these issues may seem complex, it is increasingly recognised that SEFARI contains a wealth of expertise which can contribute to such discussions. Of course our place is not to delve into the politics, but to use our research and expertise to provide an evidence-led platform for discussion.
Our ongoing project at Glen Finglas has shown how sensitive biodiversity is to changing upland management. To maintain consistency, we have used the same monitoring methods since the beginning of the project. However, one of the benefits of long-term projects is that new technology emerges and can be incorporated to allow more detailed understanding to be developed.
It has been reported that the UK exiting of the European Union (Brexit) has affected salmon industry. Both the volume and value of salmon exported to the EU, which still is the main market for Scottish Salmon, have been impacted.
The eco-labels "Farmed Responsibly ASC Certified" and "Certified Carbon Neutral" can potentially enhance the desirability of Scottish salmon among UK consumers. Additionally, labelling Scottish salmon as “High in Omega-3” could further increase its value. However, it is important to note that while eco-labels and nutritional claims play a role, they are secondary factors influencing UK consumers' preferences for salmon.
Ana is a human geographer interested in regional development, migration and policy. Her research focuses on rural, remote and sparsely populated areas and communities, with particular focus on mobility drivers and outcomes within these places and communities. She has a background in economics and business management. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC she has received her PhD from Charles Darwin University (Australia) and collaborated with rural communities and stakeholders in South Australia, Northern Sweden and Croatia.
Carey is a chartered town planner interested in land governance and social equity. Her research focuses on community-led approaches, land and property governance systems, and rural/urban dynamics. She has 20 years of experience across academia, private practice, and the third sector. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC in 2024 she has received her PhD in town planning from Queen’s University Belfast, conducting research there on rural migration, town planning and social diversity.
Over the past decade, the European Commission has invested in a series of measures designed to support innovation in agriculture through networking all those involved in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS): farmers, advisors, supply chain members, NGOs and researchers.
The aim of this fellowship was to identify current and potential market opportunities and describe the supply chain for hempseed and fibre in Scotland.
Author: Dr Wisdom Dogbe.
Genetic biodiversity is the fuel that drives crop improvement. However, in major cereal crops, while the traditional method of crop improvement has brought significant yield improvements over time, it has also resulted in a drastic loss of crop genetic biodiversity.
As a result, many of our crops have lost resilience, becoming potentially vulnerable to a range of stresses, from environmental factors to disease. Continued loss of genetic diversity could severely affect crop yields and threaten the sustainability of economically and socially important end uses.