EQ Accountants head farming innovation conference

The role of research and innovation in farming in an uncertain future is due to be explored at a major agriculture conference taking place in Carnoustie, Angus, on 8 February and chaired by Graeme Davidson, partner at Dundee-based EQ Accountants LLP.

Professor Colin Campbell, who heads up the world renowned James Hutton Institute research organisation, based at Invergowrie, Dundee, will address delegates at the Farming Scotland Conference, along with other leading farming industry speakers.

Graeme Davidson, partner of EQ Accountants LLP and chair of the conference, said: “It is so important that the farming sector in Scotland continues to strive to make advances in how things are done and what is produced. The sector faces an uncertain future with external factors such as political and regulatory changes placing pressure on farming businesses. We are, therefore, delighted that Professor Campbell will be able to provide his views on where current and future research and innovation in the sector can have an impact.”

The experts at James Hutton are active across a whole range of research projects, including investigations into solutions to grain skinning, the benefits of potatoes on human health, and developments in vertical farming techniques.

Projects such as these provide valuable advances which can then be applied at farm scale in the future.

Professor Campbell said: “I am looking forward to sharing insight into some of the key projects which we are working on at the James Hutton Institute. There is so much going on which will have practical and commercial farm benefits in the future. Research and innovation will play a vital role as farming in Scotland faces up to a future with less direct financial subsidy, less land available and changing climatic factors.”

The Farming Scotland Conference, which has a theme of “Innovations in Farming”, will also hear from John Kinnaird, Scottish Government Sustainability Farming Champion, Kit Franklin, project leader of the Hands Free Hectare project and Chris Newenham, joint MD of large fruit farming and retail concern Wilkin & Sons, Tiptree, Essex.

Places can be booked at: www.farmingscotlandconference.co.uk or by calling Mary Campbell on 01307 474274