A new space dedicated to sustainable farming will make its debut at this year’s Royal Highland Show, as the Scottish Agroecology Partnership joins forces with Smallholding Scotland to launch a Sustainable Agriculture Tent.
The initiative - a first for the show - aims to bring together farmers, crofters, policymakers and the public to explore how Scottish agriculture is responding to growing environmental and economic pressures.
The Scottish Agroecology Partnership is a coalition of eight organisations, including Nature Friendly Farming Network, Scottish Crofting Federation, Pasture for Life, Soil Association Scotland, Nourish Scotland, Landworkers' Alliance, Propagate and Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Supported by Farming the Future, the group now represents more than 3000 farmers and crofters.
Farmers driving change
The launch comes at a time when many producers feel agricultural policy has stalled, leaving farmers and crofters to lead innovation on the ground. Across Scotland, they are developing new approaches to tackle profitability challenges, climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Sustainable Agriculture Tent will showcase this work through a programme of talks, workshops, demonstrations and interactive exhibits, highlighting how sustainable practices are being applied in real farm businesses.
A key feature will be the Sustainable Farmer of the Year Awards, led by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with nominations due to open shortly.
Sharing knowledge
Running across all four days of the show, the tent will provide a space for knowledge exchange, allowing farmers to learn from one another and explore how different systems might work in their own businesses.
It will also act as a platform for wider discussion around the future of Scottish agriculture. Organisers say the aim is to support a 'just transition', improving fairness across the sector while reducing the risks for those adopting agroecological practices.
The space will reflect the diversity of Scottish farming, bringing together smaller-scale crofters alongside larger operations and highlighting the shared role all producers play in delivering a more sustainable future.
Alongside this, Smallholding Scotland will promote the Scottish Smallholding and Countryside Festival, taking place on October 17.
A space for collaboration
For those involved, the tent is intended as a hub for conversation and collaboration.
Livestock farmer Denise Walton said: “I am looking forward to a farmer-led space dedicated to exploring new practices with a sense of openness, fun, and camaraderie.
“While the weekdays will focus on farmers and crofters sharing their lived experiences, the weekend will showcase the wonderful food and fibre produced for the public attending this year’s show.
“Underpinning all of this is a commitment to the benefits for nature, wildlife, soil health, and rural communities that our farmers bring to Scotland.”
Beef and sheep farmer Judith Hutchison added: “As weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable and input costs continue to rise - from fertilisers and fuel to feed - interest in sustainable agriculture has never been greater.
“Farmers want to see for themselves how others are putting these ideas into practice, and whether they can make them pay. The Sustainable Agriculture Tent is the perfect place for exactly those conversations.”
Donald Armstrong, an organic dairy farmer, said the show provides an ideal setting for face-to-face learning.
“As the premier event in Scotland’s agricultural calendar, the Sustainable Agriculture Tent is the ideal setting for knowledge sharing - connecting farmers already practising more sustainable methods with those looking to follow in their footsteps.”
With its mix of practical insight, discussion and networking, organisers hope the new addition will become a focal point at this year’s show and a catalyst for the future direction of Scottish farming.
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