Research

We review current insights on the potential impact of changing to more healthy, environmentally sustainable and affordable diets on the global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, and gather knowledge on how this impact can be practically measured and communicated. We assess how cultural factors and socio-economical/demographical factors are associated with a ‘readiness-to-change’ towards more environmentally sustainable food choices.

The project assesses the influence of trigger events on basic and best-fit practices. New approaches for influencing farmer behaviour are being co-designed with farmers and industry stakeholders, empirically tested through applied agroecology, parasitology and experimental economics, and promoted through on-farm demonstrations, workshops, training events and multimedia campaigns. 

Effective business relationships in vertical supply chains are thought to: (a) reduce uncertainty (b) improve access to crucial resources and ⁄or (c) raise business productivity. This project aims to review the status-quo of collaboration and engagement between various stages of Scotland’s food and drink supply chain; to identify those points under acute pressure in the wake of recent shocks and recognising their strengths and weaknesses; and to identify means by which collaboration can be enhanced. 

This project aims to generate insights on the economics of higher-value status food and drink products. The research quantifies the extent to which such products hold a price premium and face higher production costs than standard products, examines the key factors are in achieving a higher/lower gross margin, understands the impact of EU exit and other developments in international trade; and identifies opportunities to develop and promote them.

Changing environmental conditions necessitate adaptations in Scottish agriculture. This project investigates the development of crop species that are resilient to combinations of environmental stresses whilst using resources more efficiently. We test the hypothesis that utilisation of latent diversity in crop species can improve both resource efficiency and stress tolerance. 

Use of precision livestock farming tools is increasing globally. When exploited fully, these can aid farm-level management, improve animal health, welfare and productivity, monitor or reduce emissions, and improve traceability. This project explores current and new digital innovations, key barriers to adoption and solutions, and provide a robust evidence base demonstrating benefits of integrated data use within beef, sheep and dairy systems.

This project uses experimental and national farm data to develop new analytical methods to create new predictions, alerts and management tools for dairy cow, herd and supply efficiency, health and sustainability.

The consumer has a right to know what is contained within the food they eat. Allied to this, there is a significant risk in the food supply chain of fraud where a food is replaced by a cheaper or inferior alternative. This project will develop mass spectrometry-based approaches for determining the provenance of food and beverages. We are developing methods for determining the composition of whisky and meats to ensure their integrity.

This project investigates how behaviour change at the individual, household and organisational level creates challenges and opportunities for moving to a more circular economy.

The project is mitigating threats posed to key crops by new, emerging and endemic pests and pathogens, to protect Scotland’s industries and delivering integrated and sustainable crop protection strategies for Scottish growers.