Farming for the future
In the near future, UK agriculture will have to move away from its dependence on oil. In order to meet the challenges of a post 'peak oil' future all agricultural businesses will need to re-connect with local food communities.
Every farm or horticultural business uses energy and creates waste, but most could use less. Resource efficiency is about minimising resources used and the amount of wastes produced in order to increase efficiency. Water used for agriculture represents approximately 2% of the water abstracted in the UK. In 2004, UK agriculture used 2.1 million tonnes of oil equivalents - and produced just over 7% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions.
Issues of resource use are increasingly impacting upon the economic, political and environmental sustainability of agricultural businesses in the light of rapidly rising fuel costs and increased consumer awareness of sustainability issues. Being more efficient in your resource consumption means reduced energy and water bills, reduced production costs and lower waste disposal costs. Consequently, it is well worth considering how to reduce energy, water and minimise farm wastes - even whether energy could be produced on farm to increase self sufficiency or contribute to the national energy supply.
Future Proofing Scotland's Farming
This £200,000 three year project ‘Future Proofing Scotland’s Farming’, aims to prepare agricultural businesses for the impacts, opportunities and risks that both climate and economic change bring. It will be delivered by Soil Association Scotland and is being funded by the Scottish Government’s Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) skills development and Quality Meat Scotland.
Soil Association Scotland's climate change programme
Climate change is bringing about a new set of challenges and opportunities for agriculture. While global warming may lead to extended crop growing seasons, it could also lead to unpredictable weather, new pests and diseases, and a need for farmers to substantially reduce their carbon footprint.
Soil Association Scotland's climate change programme is a three year skills development programme that will equip 500 farmers and growers from 150 businesses with the skills and knowledge to both improve business sustainability and reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). The programme runs from November 2008 to October 2011 and includes training events and farm walks, ongoing advice and support, fact sheets and case studies.
General information