Scottish Agroecology - SAP

13/10/2026

🌱 Learning from each other is one of the most powerful tools we have.
At our recent conference, Anna Lamotte of Guardswell Farm shared how connecting with other farmers has been crucial as she and her husband, Digby, build their livestock enterprise.
From gaining confidence in carrying out their own f***l egg counts to finding support, encouragement and practical solutions from fellow farmers, Anna reflects on the importance of peer-to-peer learning and the growing momentum behind regenerative farming.
💬 "Having a community where you can ask questions and learn from your peers is incredibly important."
Watch Anna's story and hear why compassion, curiosity and community are helping drive change in farming.

09/10/2026

🌱 NEW POLICY PROPOSAL LAUNCHED: BASIC INCOME FOR FARMERS IN SCOTLAND 🧑‍🌾

What would it take to build a resilient food system in Scotland?

With funding from Farming The Future : Landworkers Alliance Scotland, The Regenerative Farming Network and Basic Income for Farmers believe the answer starts with making sure the people producing our food can actually afford to live.

The policy proposal, launched last night with MSPs in Edinburgh, is based on in-depth consultations with farmers, crofters, growers and farm workers across Scotland.

📊 The reality is stark:

🌱Without government subsidies, Scottish farms made an average profit of just £500 in 2024–25. The previous year, the average was a £13,900 loss.

👩🏻‍🌾 73% of Scottish farms are under 50 hectares, yet agricultural support is still largely distributed on a per-hectare basis — leaving many smaller farms with little or no support.

✨The proposal? A £1,000-a-month basic income for farmers, crofters, growers and farm workers actively working in agriculture — paid directly to the individual, rather than to the farm business.

🧠 Farmers involved in the consultation described the potential impact as “transformative”, saying a basic income could mean better mental health, less stress and more freedom to invest in their farms, communities and the environment.

🗣️ As one participant put it:

“People are more entrepreneurial when they are not living in scarcity.”

📈 The report calls on the Scottish Government to model the cost of a farmers’ basic income and explore how it could be funded : while ultimately moving agricultural income support from a per-hectare to a per-person basis.

🌾 We cannot be food secure until our farmers, crofters and food producers are financially secure.

https://landworkersalliance.org.uk/this-policy-idea-gives-farmers-hope-jo-poulton-a-basic-income-for-farmers/

We are a union of farmers, growers, foresters and land-based workers with a mission to improve the livelihoods of our members and create a better food and land-use system for everyone.

22/09/2026

Join three Scottish herdsmen talk about the development of their cattle and plans for the future with pub lunch included! Wednesday 28th October, Scottish Borders

Join Propagate, NFFN and PfL herdsmen discuss the development of their aberdeen angus and crosses herds over the years.

16/09/2026

How do we build a resilient, sustainable wool supply chain that works for Scottish farmers, processors, and makers alike? 🐑🧵

Join us on the banks of the Tay for an insightful session exploring the real opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s local fibre network. We will be looking at everything from farm-gate economics and fleece preparation through to regional processing infrastructure and high-value markets.

Explore how Scottish sheep farmers can retain more value from wool through stronger supply chains, local processing and supportive policy.

16/09/2026

Come chat with Ruth and other in Dumfries & Galloway for a farm walk and chat about making the most from your own fleece:

Follow the journey from fleece to finished product and discover how nature-friendly farming can produce wool with real value.

11/09/2026

Setting up a local food business
Practical, two-day in-person training course
Strathpeffer
6th & 7th October 2026
Jo Hunt and Beth Rose

You are a primary producer of livestock, hens, or vegetables and fruit. Now you are wondering if there is a way to sell your produce locally and develop your own local food business. Perhaps you have been selling a wee bit locally and are thinking of scaling up. But where to start? With Jo Hunt, of Knockfarrel Produce in Dingwall, and other inspiring small-scale food producers, our training programme will take you step-by-step through the process of setting up a local food business using your own produce.

Open to crofters, smallholders, farmers and other small-scale producers. NB This course is badged for the Small Producers Practical Training Fund, the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund and the Next Generation Practical Training Fund. For more information see the course link.

Setting up a local food business:- Strathpeffer, Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th October 2026 – Strathpeffer Community Centre, Tue 6 Oct 2026 - Wed 7 Oct 2026 - Setting up a local food business - For small producers You are a primary producer of livestock, hens, or vegetables and fruit. Now you are...

11/09/2026

Collective Routes to Market
Online workshop with Helen O’Keefe
Wednesday 14th October 2026
Working with others and sharing resources and expertise can be a great way of getting started in selling your croft produce, without taking all the risk on yourself. It's easier to create a consistent supply, develop a wider network of customers, and share out all those unpaid jobs that underpin every small food business, especially in the early days. Following on from our Local Food Hub webinar, Helen O'Keefe who, with neighbour Tessa Dorrian, set up the Green Bowl, will guide you through other options for working collectively to create sustainable routes to market.

Local Food Production - Collective routes to market – Zoom, Wed 14 Oct 2026 - Local food production - Collective routes to market Working with others and sharing resources and expertise can be a great way of getting started in selling your croft produce, without taking all the risk on yourself. It...

07/09/2026

Love wool and live in the NE?

07/09/2026

An Introduction to Selling Meat Boxes

📍 Online Workshop
📅 30 September 2026
⏱ 7.30pm - 9.00pm on Zoom

Thinking about selling meat boxes directly to customers?

Join Sally Crowe of The Croft, Keiss, for a practical introduction to direct sales, based on her years of experience selling seasonal beef, lamb and mutton boxes.

You'll learn about:
🥩 Regulations
🚚 Logistics, from livestock to finished product
📣 Marketing, pricing and sales

Whether you're just exploring the idea or ready to get started, this workshop will help you understand what's involved.

Link: Buy tickets – Local Food Production - An Introduction to Selling Meat Boxes – Zoom

Local Food Production - An Introduction to Selling Meat Boxes – Zoom, Wed 30 Sep 2026 - Local food production - An Introduction to selling meat boxes You raise livestock and would like to try direct selling to customers through meat boxes. But where to start? Sally Crowe of

07/09/2026

How To Set Up a Food Hub

📍 Online Workshop
📅 16 September 2026
⏱7.30pm - 9.00pm on Zoom

Want to sell your produce locally but not sure where to start?

A local food hub can be a great way to work with others, create a route to market and share skills, experience and resources. Join Marian Austin and Mandy Ketchin from Food Lochaber to explore the benefits and practicalities of setting up a food hub in your area.

✅ Learn from real experience
✅ Explore collaborative selling models
✅ Discover practical next steps

Link: Buy tickets – Local Food Production - How to Set Up a Food Hub - Food Lochaber – Zoom

Local Food Production - How to Set Up a Food Hub - Food Lochaber – Zoom, Wed 16 Sep 2026 - Local Food ProductionA local food hub can be a great way of starting small and working with others to sell produce in your local area. They can provide an easy route to market, leaving you more time to conce...