admin
Written 63 posts
Avian Flu – Top Tips
7th October 2019
Although there is a constant risk of avian flu in the UK, with Autumn now here, there is an increased likelihood of avian influenza appearing. For those who aren’t aware, avian influenza (more commonly known as bird flu) is a highly contagious disease of birds. It can have serious impacts on bird health and welfare, and can potentially lead to bird fatalities. In extremely serious cases it can affect the health of humans and other mammals.
So how can bird flu be introduced to the UK? The most common way is if birds come in to direct or indirect contact with wild birds. This can come from sharing water or coming in to contact with infected bird faeces. This applies to all birds, even ones kept as pets.
Farm Advisory Service
11th September 2019
A survey published today has shown that 90% of farmers and crofters have implemented advice given to them through the Farm Advisory Service.
But what is the Farm Advisory Service and how can it help you?
In the News: £160 million returned to Scotland
5th September 2019
You will have seen in the news that in yesterday’s Spending Round statement at Westminster, that the Chancellor finally confirmed that the UK Government would right a historic injustice around EU farm payments.
In 2013, the EU announced moves to pay Common Agricultural Policy payments more fairly, on the basis of average Euros per hectare. The UK received what was known as a convergence uplift only because of Scotland.
Bew review results delayed
30th August 2019
Commenting on the apparent delay to the publication of Lord Bew’s recommendations into intra-governmental Common Agricultural Policy funding allocations, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“Scotland’s farmers deserve to know the outcome of Lord Bew’s review. The recommendations should not be left to gather dust on a shelf in Whitehall while farmers face the most challenging environment for a generation as a result of an impending no deal Brexit.
This week: Clean energy, South of Scotland funding and Crown Estate consultation
30th August 2019
£1 million funding for South of Scotland Enterprise Projects to develop rural skills, community enterprises and female-led businesses are the latest recipients of more than £1 million from the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP). The Partnership has awarded a total of £1,045,184 to five projects, including an initiative to improve Galashiels Town Centre and…
Climate change cabinet, green infrastructure funding and timber transport
9th August 2019
Climate change-themed travelling cabinet During this week’s travelling cabinet, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened a new £6 million project which uses cutting-edge renewables technology to harness energy from waste water. Ms Sturgeon launched the Stirling District Heat Network project while visiting the city as part of the 50th Travelling Cabinet. The project, which…
Tackling biosecurity in agriculture
6th August 2019
Policy Officer Ian Murdoch on the importance of biosecurity in agriculture and what can be done to reduce the risk of diseases being spread. You might not think an agricultural show and a hospital have much in common. Everyone will be familiar with the good hygiene rules when walking into a hospital. Not so…
In the news: Deposit Return Scheme
2nd August 2019
You may have seen in the Scotsman an opinion piece from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association regarding our proposal to include glass in our Deposit Return Scheme.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Last year’s public consultation signalled support for an ambitious deposit return scheme. We believe there is strong public support for including glass in that scheme and the wider benefits are clear, delivering increased recycling rates, reductions in carbon emissions and reductions in glass litter.
“We are aware that some businesses have concerns about its inclusion. The Scottish Government is committed to working with them to implement the scheme in a way which addresses those concerns and helps to realise potential benefits – including cost savings for hospitality businesses who otherwise have to pay for empty glass bottles to be disposed of and for glass recyclers who will be able to access better quality material.”
This week on Greener: Climate Conversations, Nature Conservations and more
2nd August 2019
Protecting Scotland’s iconic brands Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has written to the newly appointed UK Secretary of State Theresa Villiers calling on her to ensure that iconic Scottish food and drink products continue to have the necessary protections in place in the EU – deal or no deal. The UK Government has previously indicated…
In the news: Scottish Agriculture
31st July 2019
The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee has published a report into the future of Scottish agriculture, which is running widely in the media today.
The Committee argues that Brexit presents an opportunity to address failings in the agriculture funding formula, which has led to Scottish farms and crofts receiving low levels of funding.