First ever Sustainable Agriculture Tent to launch at Royal Highland Show
Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification are teaming up to co-host the first Sustainable Agriculture Tent at the 2026 Royal Highland Show, as part of the Scottish Agroecology Partnership (SAP).
SAP is a coalition of eight organisations including Nature Friendly Farming Network, Scottish Crofting Federation, Pasture for Life, Soil Association Scotland, Nourish Scotland, Landworkers' Alliance, Propagate, and its new member – Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Showcasing innovation and resilience
The new tent will showcase the breadth and diversity of sustainable farming practices being developed on-farm across Scotland, through a programme of displays, interactive activities, talks, workshops and events.
A key feature of the programme will be the Sustainable Farmer of the Year Awards, in collaboration with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust on Thursday 18 June.
The Sustainable Agriculture Tent will offer a space to highlight how farmers and crofters are responding to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and building resilient local food systems.
Supporting a just transition in Scottish agriculture
The tent will also provide a platform for SAP’s ongoing policy and campaigning work, calling on the Scottish Government to deliver meaningful support for a just transition: improving fairness across the agricultural sector and removing the barriers and risks that farmers face in transitioning to agroecological practices.
Inclusivity across the sector
Importantly, the space will bring together and showcase the work of smaller-scale producers and crofters alongside medium and larger-scale farms, reflecting the full diversity of Scotland’s agricultural landscape and the shared role all producers play in delivering a sustainable future.
Organic advice
A key part of the conversation on transitioning to agroecological food production is the role of organic, and how farmers, growers and crofters can be supported to take up organic certification. The Soil Association Certification team will be on hand on Thursday and Friday to answer questions and provide advice on all aspects of organic production and certification.
AECS support for organic conversion
The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) provides support for organic conversion and opened on 23 February, shortly after the launch of Scotland’s first nationally funded Organic Action Plan by Scotland Food and Drink.
The plan supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to expand organic farmland – managed without harmful pesticides and to high environmental and animal welfare standards. While not yet a huge sector, Scotland’s organic market has grown by 20.6% over the past five years, signalling a strong opportunity for farmers.
AECS applications close on 22 June (combined applications) and 31 July (organic only). The scheme aims to help double Scotland’s organic land to over 200,000 hectares, a target that recent DEFRA data suggests is within reach in the near future.
Organic farmers also benefit from automatic eligibility for Basic Payment Scheme support, as organic systems already meet key requirements on animal welfare and integrated pest management.
Why it matters
Farmers who have made the transition highlight both environmental and financial gains. AECS is a vital support mechanism, which helps support farmers through conversion while beginning to deliver biodiversity benefits for Scotland.
Crucially farmers and growers will also benefit from support offered by the Organic Action Plan (backed by £200,000 in funding) which will also focus on market development – working with retailers and public sector buyers to expand access to Scottish organic produce in shops, public and private catering, while also addressing supply chain gaps.
Join the conversation
The Scottish Agroecology Partnership and partner Smallholding Scotland are delighted to be creating this space for the first time. The Sustainable Agriculture Tent will be open throughout the four days of the Royal Highland Show near the main ring.
We look forward to welcoming farmers, crofters, policymakers and members of the public to join us for conversations at this year’s Royal Highland Show about what a truly just, farmer-led transition in Scottish agriculture could look like.
Denise Walton, livestock farmer and member of Soil Association Scotland, Nature Friendly Farming Network and Pasture for Life said: “I am looking forward to a farmer-led space dedicated to exploring new practices with a sense of openness, fun, and camaraderie.
"While the weekdays will focus on farmers and crofters sharing their lived experiences, the weekend will showcase the wonderful food and fibre produced for the public attending this year’s show.
"Underpinning all of this is a commitment to the benefits for nature, wildlife, soil health, and rural communities that our farmers bring to Scotland."
Donald Armstrong, organic dairy farmer at Langbarns farm said: "As the premier event in Scotland's agricultural calendar, the Sustainable Agriculture Tent is the ideal setting for face-to-face knowledge sharing – connecting farmers already practicing more sustainable methods with those looking to follow in their footsteps."
