A new arable conference is hoping to attract growers from across the Scottish farming sector to its inaugural event next month.
A extension of the existing popular Arable Scotland show, ‘Arable Futures’ will take place at The James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie on Tuesday, 24 February.
The event aims to develop a shared understanding of what the future holds, challenge attendees to question how the sector responds, and identify actions that could be taken to create future resilience.
Dr Alison Karley, head of ecological sciences at JHI says after several years of a field-based event, the team is excited to trial a new format for Arable Scotland.
“This conference-style event will bring together representatives from across the industry – and generations – to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for arable production. Our goal is to work collectively to identify actions that will future proof the sector.”
Four key streams
Four interactive sessions will bring together people involved in arable supply chains, farming and ‘value addition’. The first three will explore what the future holds for the arable industry, natural capital futures and benefit-risk sharing across the sector, and future crops for climate resilience. These discussions will lay the ground for the fourth session to identify the futureskills required for the arable sector.
A final wrap up session will decide what actions can be taken by the sector, and assigned to interested parties, to secure future sustainability and confidence.
Independent moderation
Independently moderated, the event aims to create an inclusive safe space for non-judgemental discussions about the future of the Scottish arable sector, reflecting the voices within and across generations.
It should develop a shared understanding of what the future holds and identify actions that could be taken to create future resilience, suggests Alison.
‘Arable Futures’ will be facilitated by The James Hutton Institute in collaboration with supporting organisations including AHDB, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), SEFARI Gateway, and the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR).
The event is taking place 9:30am to 4:30 pm at the Crop Innovation Centre, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA.
To register for a place, visit here.
