Agroecology - New knowledge-exchange programme

More than 70 farmers and Crofters across Scotland are working together in a programme to share nature-friendly farming approaches to restore biodiversity and address climate change while also strengthening their livelihoods. 

The programme is delivered by the Soil Association and funded by Scottish Government through the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (part of its Scottish Rural Development Programme) and is part of a new farmer-led knowledge exchange programme  'Agroecology: strengthening livelihoods'.

It builds on previous programmes Agroecology: enabling the transition and 'Agroecology: facilitating mindset change', developed by a coalition which, in addition to Soil Association Scotland, brought together Nourish Scotland, Landworkers’ Alliance, Pasture for Life, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Propagate and Scottish Crofting Federation.

Phil Knott, crofter and facilitator of the group in Islay, Jura & Colonsay, said:

“Many crofters and farmers out there want to learn more about farming with nature – having a group to do it makes it ten times easier. They can share tips with each other, visit each other’s farms and get an idea of what the next best step is for their own situation. All farmers can join, from those who have never heard about agroecology to those who are already implementing it – it’s this diversity that allows us to learn from each other.”

The programme, running until March 2024, is making knowledge accessible to the growing number of farmers and crofters looking for support to try out different ways of farming. The project has two strands: peer-to-peer learning groups and a series of webinars on a variety of themes related to agroecological practices. Coming events will be posted on the Nourish Scotland website. Farmers and crofters are welcome to join one or both – to do so, they only need to contact the group facilitator;

Agroecology: Strengthening Livelihoods peer to peer learning groups;

To join one of these groups, please contact the group facilitator:

• Market Gardening Group. Non-region specific, more info: clem.sandison@landworkersalliance.org.uk 
• Agroforestry Group. Non-region specific, more info:aallamand@soilassociation.org
• Supporting Biodiversity within Island-Based Farming & Crofting Group. Islay, Jura, Gigha and Colonsay, more info: phil.knott@nffn.org.uk
• Crofting Townships Group. Caithness and Sutherland, more info: phil.knott@nffn.org.uk
• Soil Health Group. South West Scotland, more info: abi@propagate.org.uk
• Biodiversity & Profitability Group. Scottish Borders, more info: diana@nourishscotland.org.uk
• Grazing Group. Non-region specific, more info: nikki@pastureforlife.org
• Multi-topic farm visits. Non-region specific, more info: diana@nourishscotland.org.uk

Learning outcomes include understanding value of improving soils for climate resilience, the benefits of strategically incorporating trees on farms to support profitability, operations and the ecosystem, and how crop diversity can increase biodiversity and lead to healthier human diets. Crucially, they’re exploring how nature-friendly farming and profitability can go hand in hand.

More detail can be foundon the Project website;  Agroecology: strengthening livelihoods - Nourish Scotland

More detail on Nature Friendly Farming Network; Agroecology: Facilitating Mindset Change (youtube.com)