Agroecology: facilitating mindset change
Agroecology – farming with nature – is only just creeping into the mainstream in Scotland. The aim of the project was to widen the understanding of agroecological practices.
Some of the thoughts that farmers might have when hearing about different approaches to farming can sound like:
“We’ve always done it this way” / “What will the neighbours think if I start growing thistles?” / “It might work on a smaller farm, or a bigger farm, but it wouldn’t work on my farm”
The first round of this project was designed to help farmers who are already using agroecological approaches learn from each other; and to invite more farmers to dip a toe in the water and try something new. This was a partnership project with Landworkers Alliance, Soil Association Scotland, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Pasture Fed Livestock Association and the Nature Friendly Farming Network. Read our report.
Agroecology in Scotland
Our Past Events
Pasture-fed in the Borders with Matt Griffin, Edston Farm, Peebles
Integrating livestock into arable systems with Johnnie Balfour
Sheep health and nutrition with Poppy Frater, Katharine Sharp, Victoria Ballantyne
Soil health for growers
Agroforestry in the uplands with Andrew Barbour & Nikki Yoxall
An introduction to silvoarable systems – integrating fruit trees and crops with with Rachel and Roger Howison, Parkhill Farm, Newburgh
An introduction to the principles of regenerative grazing, followed by a farm visit with Nikki Yoxall, Grampian Graziers Dingwall Community Centre and Blackwells farm (women’s event)
Livestock within an agroecological farming system at Whitriggs farm, Hawick
Composting and fruit tree pruning/agroforestry at East Neuk market garden, Fife
Crofting, grazing and the potential of NoFence technology with Domhnall MacSween, Air An Lot and Shona Morrison, RSPB Scotland, Isle of Lewis
The Green Bowl: running a crofting township food hub hosted by Helen O’Keefe and Tessa Dorrian, in Sutherland
Future proofing the farm: reducing inputs and improving soil health with Doug Christie, Prof. Lorna Dawson and Dr. Ali Karley, on-farm in Fife
Crofting: managing for biodiversity with Phil Knott, Wildlife Croft, Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye
Agroforestry for growers in Scotland with James Reid and Rosa Bevan, Tap o’ Noth Farm, Rhynie, Near Huntly
Setting up a small-scale poultry business with Gilly Dixon-Spain, Jenny Macdonald and Jill Russell
Building on learning from the previous round, we are now working on our next project:
Agroecology: Enabling the Transition.
Our aim is to work with small groups of farmers across Scotland in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. We will also host a series of public events for anyone to join and be part of this critical transition (more details to come)
If you’re interested in finding out more about the second stage of the project, contact Diana Garduño Jiménez.
More information about agroecology, what it means and what it delivers is available on FFCC’s website.