Agroecology: strengthening livelihoods
Agroecology, farming with nature, is a way of farming that can strengthen the livelihoods of food producers and increase the resilience of our food systems. It can also help tackle the biodiversity and climate emergencies and towards Scotland’s vision of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. (see: agroecology in Scotland Policy Brief )
The policy context is changing, and farmers are increasingly being asked to deliver environmental benefits.
More and more farmers, crofters and growers across Scotland are interested in implementing agroecological practices. But it’s not always easy to find the support needed to try out different ways of farming. Many food producers want this to be peer-to-peer learning, with farmers leading the way.
Farmer to Farmer – Knowledge Exchange Programme:
From 2023 to 2024 we developed a peer-to-peer knowledge exchange programme for food producers to come together and learn with each other. We visited each other’s farms, met and shared lunch together. Farmers shared lessons from implementing different agroecological practices – from transitioning to agroforestry, to implementing herbal leys and managing common grazings. They also shared advice on how to increase biodiversity while ensuring profitability. Read the report here.
Agroecology Learning Resources
Visit our library where you’ll find videos, podcasts and more. Learn about agroecological practices by hearing from the farmers, crofters and growers implementing them.
Find out more
These are the 7 groups / networks we ran, get in touch with the relevant person to find out more!
Agroforestry Group
Non-region specific. More info:aallamand@soilassociation.org
Supporting Biodiversity within Island-Based Farming & Crofting Group
Islay, Jura, Gigha and Colonsay. More info: euan.ross@nffn.org.uk
Crofting Townships Group
Caithness and Sutherland. More info: donna@crofting.org
Soil Health Group
South West Scotland. More info: abi@propagate.org.uk
Biodiversity & Profitability Group
Scottish Borders. More info: diana@nourishscotland.org.uk
Grazing Group
Non-region specific. More info: nikki@pastureforlife.org
Multi-topic farm visits
Non-region specific. More info: diana@nourishscotland.org.uk
Join us online
We are developing a series of 6 webinars on agroecology September – January. You can expect in-depth conversations and panel dicussions on topics like common grazings, agroforestry & farming in a changing climate.
Who we are
The programme is run by Nourish Scotland, the Landworkers’ Alliance, Pasture for Life, Soil Association Scotland, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, the Scottish Crofting Federation and Propagate.
Agroecology: Strenghetning Livelihoods, expands on previous work undertaken over 2022/23 under the Agroecology: Enabling the Transition project and 2021/22 under the Agroecology: Facilitating Mindset Change project.