Crofting

Whether you are nature champions, pioneering businesses, or passionate community groups, this is your moment to be celebrated!

With headline sponsor NatureScot, RSPB are recognising the people, projects and partnerships protecting Scotland’s nature.

Over the next six weeks, a series of events will take place around Scotland aimed at combining the serious business of advice and support to help farmers prepare for the future, with a chance for a pre-lambing social over a bite to eat. 

Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

Farmer-led groups are recommending the Whole Farm Plan to support farmers and crofters in taking a holistic view of their businesses.

By establishing their current performance and activities, farmers and crofters can identify opportunities for improvement and work towards greater productivity and profitability, positioning their business to contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate and nature targets.

Your farm's future: Trees an option and opportunity? Why and how they can benefit your business

Join Scottish Forestry for an insightful and interactive evening exploring how integrating trees into your farming practices can deliver significant benefits both now and in the future.

You'll hear from Davy McCracken (SRUC) who'll share his wealth of knowledge and practical experience on the vital role trees play in the sustainability and resilience of farms now and into the future.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has commented on publication of the land-based learning review Implementation Plan setting out how Scottish Government will respond to the 22 recommendations in the Review.

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and other captive birds, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and Chief Veterinary Officer from England have declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.

Bluetongue is a notifiable insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, other ruminants such as goats, and camelids such as llamas.

It cannot be spread directly between animals and relies on the midge as a vector for transmission, and although it does not affect people or food safety, outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.

Imports of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany have been banned to protect farmers, their livelihoods and food security following the discovery of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in water buffalo in Brandenburg.

The risk level of FMD to the UK has been increased to medium.

FMD does not pose a risk to human health but is a highly contagious virus of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

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