Calendar

We know what we don’t want: dodgy trade deals like TTIP, CETA and TISA. But what might a good deal look like? Is a trade deal that’s fair for farmers, workers and citizens really possible? And what would it look like?

This event is a space for ‘blue-sky’ thinking on the ins and outs of what our ideal trade deals would look like organised by Trade Justice Scotland coalition (we used to be Scotland Against TTIP). Expert input will be from Jean Blaylock, trade policy officer for Global Justice Now.

Book your (free) place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trade-that-does-good-tickets-32089911790?ref=estw

The Scottish Farm Land Trust and Gail Ross MSP are excited to invite you to ‘WANTED: Land for new farmers’ an event at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 27th September, 6-8pm. We’ll be exploring the potential of a land trust to support new entrants into farming and facilitate socially and environmentally productive agriculture.

Research undertaken this year by Nourish Scotland, as part of a feasibility study for the Scottish Farm Land Trust, found that hundreds of people are actively looking for farmland in Scotland, and are motivated by looking after the environment and developing rural livelihoods. However, access to land is a critical barrier. The Scottish Farm Land Trust aims to acquire farmland and lease it out with secure, affordable tenancies to new entrants to establish agroecological farms.

According to Scotland’s Land Reform Act, we are working for ‘a Scotland where the ownership, management and use of land and buildings contributes to the collective benefit of everybody’. A land trust could help facilitate a transformation of how we use our land, and support farming in Scotland that provides nutritious food for local people, sustains rural communities, contributes to healthy ecosystem and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

On 27th September, we’ll be joined by speakers who have successfully established land trusts in Europe, who will be sharing their wisdom and inspiration. We’ll hear from local producers, outlining how farming can address critical social and environmental challenges. You’ll be able to pick up a copy of our forthcoming report ‘Wanted: Land for New Farmers’ which is the outcome of a feasibility study for the Scottish Farm Land Trust, and find out ways to get involved with making this vision a reality.

In this Talk, Professor and TEDx Peter Higgins will discuss our relationship with our planet, its climate and biodiversity. He will offer some thoughts on communicating new ideas and supporting positive policy developments. Get ready for a challenging and perhaps controversial evening! The talk will be followed by a question and answer session.