Soil Association Website

VIBES Awards 2013

jdingwall — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:12:00 GMT

Entries for the 2013 VIBES Awards are now OPEN. Applications and Guidance Notes are available here.

Lets go greener together

MegR — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:38:00 GMT

Soil Association Scotland is delighted to be working with the Scottish Government to help highlight the ‘Go Greener Together’ campaign. Have you heard about it?

St Jerome’s Field community growing project, Tay valley

fnorris — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:28:00 GMT

The Soil Association Land Trust exists to safeguard farmland and currently owns four organic farms in the South West of England. So its recently acquired eight-acre field in Perthshire, Scotland was something of an anomaly amongst these 100-acre traditional farms. However, it has shown how a local community can take food production right back into the heart of a village.

Grow more grass with the GrassMaster Event, Wednesday 12th June, Drymen

jdingwall — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:34:00 GMT

A practical day looking at increasing grass productivity through hands-on field assessment: providing guidance on rejuvenating, reseeding, and over-seeding; what varieties to sow and why; return on investment and aftercare of a new ley.

Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Organic Farming

jdingwall — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:58:00 GMT

SRUC offers this high-level taught postgraduate course on a part-time online distance learning basis. Supported by a number of residential study weekends throughout the year, the course allows students to study in their own home or workplace.

SRDP 2014-2020 Stage 1 Consultation and Roadshows

jdingwall — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:52:00 GMT

The Scottish Government aims to publish a Stage 1 Consultation for the SRDP 2014-2020 in early May 2013.

Organic Sale: Thainstone Mart

jdingwall — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Thainstone Mart, Inverurie will be holding an organic sale on Tuesday 23rd April 2013.
Entries are sought and enquiries can be made by emailing here or telephone 01467 623 700

Not in my burn! Diffuse pollution: what is it and how to avoid it, Monday 20th May, Aviemore

jdingwall — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:52:00 GMT

A day looking at diffuse pollution: what is it and how to avoid it, planting trees to protect water courses and highlighting successful practical projects that reduce diffuse pollution.

Fallen stock assistance

jdingwall — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:36:00 GMT

The Scottish Government has made available £500,000 to help farmers meet the costs of disposing of animals lost due to the current severe weather.

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards

jdingwall — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:21:00 GMT

The Awards, now in their ninth year, complement the work of the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum by encouraging food and drink businesses to be innovative, forward thinking and collaborative and by celebrating excellence and achievement. With some of the best natural produce in the world, the Awards showcase the wide range of food and drink products in the region and the equally diverse profile of businesses, from internationally renowned companies to small innovative producers.

Emirates Arena caterer wins food gold medal

MegR — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:55:00 GMT

Encore Hospitality Services has won national recognition for the standard of its catering operation at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena. The Soil Association’s Gold Food for Life Catering Mark was given to Encore, the external contract catering business of Cordia, the arm’s-length company formed by Glasgow City Council to run its frontline services.

Whitmuir to become Scotland's first community-owned farm

MegR — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:20:00 GMT

This week Whitmuir, a Soil Association licensee and working organic farm, shop and restaurant launch their innovative community share programme at a prestigious event hosted by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, Richard Lochhead.

Murray Trust Future Farmer Award - 2013 Round Open (Scotland)

jdingwall — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:24:00 GMT

North Ayrshire Council awarded gold Food for Life Catering Mark

MegR — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:45:00 GMT

All of North Ayrshire’s primary schools, together with Arran High School, have been awarded the Soil Association’s prestigious gold Food for Life Catering Mark for their new spring menus, which will be introduced into the schools from 11 March 2013.

Soil, Muck & Money: Nutrient Management Event

jdingwall — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:04:00 GMT

Friday 15th March, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas, DG7 1QN

Nominate your favourite farmer

fnorris — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:49:00 GMT

Do you know someone who has created a highly successful farming business and deserves to be recognised for their innovations and achievements? You can nominate someone for the 2013 Farmers Weekly Awards now.

1 in 10 schools in Scotland do know where their food comes from, thanks to the Food for Life Catering Mark

MegR — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:31:00 GMT

Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead MSP has stated this week that he could not yet guarantee that horsemeat had not been used in food served to school pupils and hospital patients.

RSPB Nature of Farming Award 2013

jdingwall — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:25:00 GMT

The annual RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award celebrates the fantastic work farmers are doing for wildlife - with a top prize of £1,000 for the very best!

Water and Wood Renewables Event

jdingwall — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:11:00 GMT

Thursday 28th February, 7pm
Lochter Activity Centre, Near Oldmeldrum

Learning event: Meet Paul Holmbeck of Organic Denmark

jdingwall — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:03:00 GMT

Wednesday 20th Feb, 2 – 5pm, Quaker Meeting House, Edinburgh EH1 2JL

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2013

jdingwall — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:54:00 GMT

The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, run in partnership with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, have been recognising and rewarding the very best in Scottish food and drink for many years.

17 awards recognise excellence in products and businesses across a diverse range of areas including skills, research and sustainability. Product awards range from healthy eating and foodservice to seven retail categories.

A first for University of Edinburgh's student catering

MegR — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:10:00 GMT

The University of Edinburgh has become the first Scottish University to achieve the prestigious bronze Food for Life Catering Mark, in recognition of the institution’s commitment to serving fresh, healthy meals that students can trust.

RSPB: Nature of Scotland Awards

jdingwall — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:59:00 GMT

The Nature of Scotland Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in Scottish nature conservation.

Farmers Weekly Awards 2013

jdingwall — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:55:00 GMT

The Farmers Weekly Awards recognise and reward farmers for innovation, commitment to the industry and hard work. The Awards showcase the best farmers in the country by telling their stories. They aim to spread best practice, inspire others and influence the public about the role that farmers play in today’s society.

Grampian Food Forum Innovation Food Awards 2013

jdingwall — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:12:00 GMT

Entries are welcomed for the 23rd annual Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards, which rewards food and drink companies based in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Moray for their new product innovations. Full details are available here.

SRUC Organic Producer Conference 2013: Organic Prospects

jdingwall — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:10:00 GMT

SRUC’s annual Organic Prospects Conference and the SOPA/QMS organic monitor farm project will be held as a joint meeting this year.

Nature of Scotland Awards

jdingwall — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:23:00 GMT

The Nature of Scotland Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in Scottish nature conservation.

Soil, Muck & Money: Nutrient Management Event

jdingwall — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:04:00 GMT

Tuesday 26th February 2013, Jedburgh

A practical day looking at soil management and how to make best use of FYM, slurry and compost, with an introduction to PLANET.

Catering Mark consultations: have your say

erose — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:23:00 GMT

We are consulting on three areas of the Food for Life Catering Mark standards

Scottish organic forum event report

jdingwall — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:31:00 GMT

Earlier this month organic farmers, growers and processors from across Scotland had an opportunity to network, share best practice and hear from key industry professionals at the first Scottish Organic Forum event.

Government boost to fresh, healthy and organic school meals

jstride — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Today, at the Royal Highland Show, Richard Lochhead, Minister for Rural Affairs, will announce a £772,000 package aimed at improving the quality of school meals across Scotland.

Thumbs up for Stirling school meals

jstride — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Stirling Council in Scotland has been awarded the prestigious bronze Food for Life Catering Mark form the Soil Association for serving fresh and healthy meals in 37 primary schools. This guarantees that all 2,000 meals served every weekday are freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients, better for animal welfare, and free from controversial additives, trans fats and GM ingredients.

Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2012

jdingwall — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:18:00 GMT

Now in their 24th year, the Soil Association Organic Food Awards are the most prestigious and widely respected in the organic sector. The awards provide the opportunity for producers to showcase their best organic products and are open to any food or drink product available to the public and certified as organic by a recognised organic certification body within the EU.

This year we've made some exciting changes to the awards:

Extended categories allow recognition to a broader spectrum of products. All the judging of entries is done blind by an expert panel of judges.
The Best of Organic Dairy Award – we are focusing on organic dairy in 2012, so there are two special dairy awards: the Best Organic Farm Dairy and Best Organic Dairy Group. Both winners' stories will be used to promote the benefits of organic food and drink.
There will be special awards in three other categories: Low Carbon Farm, Best School Food and Best Local Initiative.

Entering the awards is simple. Choose a relevant category, check the eligibility criteria, and then just complete the online entry form and follow the instructions.

Once you have entered, please email a copy of your proof of organic certification for all products to Laura Andrews at landrews@soilassociation.org. You can also contact Laura with any queries in the meantime, either by email or on 0117 987 4586.

The deadline for entering the awards is Friday 15 June 2012.

Good luck with your entry!

Renewable Heat Incentive Awareness Raising Event

jdingwall — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:31:00 GMT

May 29th 2012, Whittingehame Estate, Haddington

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2012

jdingwall — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:20:00 GMT

2012 Awards now open for entries!

2012 Farmers Weekly Awards

jdingwall — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:35:00 GMT

There is still time to get in your entry for the 2012 Farmers Weekly awards – or nominate a friend or colleague who you think would make a worthy winner.

There are 15 categories covering all sectors of the industry – from dairy to diversification and countryside to contractor.

There are loads of good reasons to enter – from getting recognition for you and your team to opening doors to new industry contacts, buyers and suppliers.

So if you are someone who is proud of what you are achieving with your business and think you have a good story to tell, then get working on your entry.

To find out more click here or call Alma Watson on 020 8652 8026.
The deadline for entries and nominations is 30 April 2012.

Deadline Approaches - Air your views on CAP reform. Consultation ends 24th April.

edownham — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:50:00 GMT

An online consultation has been set up to allow you to have your say on the European Commission’s proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Essential Building Blocks: Soil & Grass Event. Thursday 24th May, Jedburgh

edownham — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:08:00 GMT

A practical day looking at soil management for optimum grassland productivity; grassland and clover establishment and management, including choice of grass and clover species; and making best use of manures.

Rural food and farming business adopts e-commerce as a vital life-line during recession

edownham — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:12:00 GMT

Peelham Farm Produce, an organic farm and food business based in the Scottish Borders which produces and sells quality organic meat products, has fully embraced e-commerce as a significant part of its policy to build resilience during the economic down-turn.

Herculean Easter Hunt Sunday 8th April

edownham — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:43:00 GMT

The Famous Herculean Easter Hunt, where you collect natural things at different points around the trail, there will also be egg painting & a chance to feed the hens. Delicious farm fresh organic food available at the award winning farm shop & cafe.

Show off at the Show

jdingwall — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:04:00 GMT

We would like our stand at the Royal Highland Show to promote Scotland’s finest organic products.

Last year’s living displays were lovely – kindly supplied by Pillars of Hercules, Eco Box and Phantassie Foods with gorgeous cut flowers from Oxenfoord Organics. We also displayed award-winning chutneys and jams from Huntly Herbs. If you would like to promote your products on our stand, we want to hear from you!

Products should be sent ready to display. For example dry goods, vegetables, textiles should be displayed in a woven basket or display box along with publicity materials, such as leaflets or brochures. Unfortunately, we will not have any chill facilities for meat products but we are happy to display relevant promotional material.

This offer is open to all organic producers, regardless of certifying body. Display materials must arrive at the Soil Association Scotland office by Tuesday 19th June. For more information call Lyn Matheson on 0131 666 0847 or email her on lmatheson@soilassociation.org

Livestock sales

jdingwall — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:29:00 GMT

16th April, Dumfries Market, Store cattle sale. Contact 01387 279 495

18th April, Thainstone, Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Store cattle sale. Contact 01467 623 700

19th April Huntly, United Auctions, Store cattle and lambs. Contact Douglas Guild 07764 464 371

STOP PRESS Observer Ethical Awards 2012

jdingwall — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:17:00 GMT

SRDP Deadline approaches

jdingwall — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:14:00 GMT

Applications to be submitted by 30 March 2012
Important Producer Information

• Qualitative contribution

When applying for maintenance or conversion payments please note that if you are certified by Soil Association or SOPA you are automatically eligible for a ‘high’ rating for qualitative contribution as part of the assessment criteria. Please remember to state this in your application.

• Guidance notes for RPACs and Case Officers

Producers use these as reference material for applications for support for conversion to, or maintenance of, organic farming.

For more information go to the SRDP website.

RHI Application Help Events

jdingwall — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:02:00 GMT

Renewable Heat Incentive - how to apply for funding for renewable heat generation

Your organisation may be able to benefit from the £860m Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) launched last year to make it more financially attractive for industry and businesses to install low carbon heating systems like heat pumps, biomass boilers or solar thermal panels.

The RHI tariffs will be paid for 20 years to owners of eligible technologies, with payments being made quarterly for each kWh of renewable heat which is used (such as for hot water, space heating or carrying out a process). Once in the scheme, the level of support an installation will receive is fixed and adjusted annually with inflation. The RHI is available to eligible generators of renewable heat for commercial, industrial, not for profit and public sector purposes and to producers of biomethane.

Ofgem are holding free, national events on the RHI during March and April 2012.

These events are being held for those wishing to apply for or currently applying for the RHI. They will focus on the different technologies supported, metering considerations and the application process itself. In addition to this, there will be a question and answer session with the RHI team.

The dates and venues for the events are:

Tuesday, 20 March 2012, 1300 – 1700, Trades Hall, Glasgow
Thursday, 22 March 2012, 1300 – 1700, The Portland, Manchester
Tuesday, 27 March 2012, 1300 – 1700, Park Inn, Cardiff
Tuesday 3 April 2012, 1300 - 1700, 1 Victoria Street, London

Light refreshments will be provided, lunch will not.

For more information on the RHI and venue information, please visit: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/e-serve/RHI/Pages/RHI.aspx

Please book early as places are limited. When responding, please include the name of the city you would like to attend in the subject and body of the email. Please also include your sector and the name of the organisation you represent in the email.

Please book and send any queries to rhi.event@ofgem.gov.uk

Final version of group strategy published

tyoung — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:34:00 GMT

The Soil Association is pleased to publish the final version of its new group strategy: The Road to 2020. The publication sees the culmination of a large-scale consultation exercise with stakeholders, and sets out our goals and priorities over the short-, medium- and long-term. Encompassing the activity of both Soil Association Certification and the wider Soil Association charity, the strategy puts a strong emphasis on supporting innovation and reaching out to a wider audience through our future activities.

Schmallenberg Virus briefing from the National Sheep Association

Atoner — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:34:00 GMT

As we approach the month of March when the bulk of our flocks lamb, Schmallenberg virus has now been confirmed by Defra AHVLA to have been found on 83 farms in England. The first cases were identified in the counties of East Sussex, Suffolk, and Norfolk but the last week has seen cases emerge in Wiltshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight,and Gloucestershire. We contacted Phil Stocker, Chief Executive at the National Sheep Association who provided us with the following information on the virus and best practice advice.

Glenlivet Woodland Management and Woodfuel Production Workshop - Tuesday 27th March 2012

jdingwall — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:43:00 GMT

Forestry Commission Scotland, The Cairngorms National Park Authority, Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and The Crown Estate invite you to attend a one-day workshop on the 27th March 2012 to be held at Tomintoul. The workshop will provide advice, discussion and practical demonstrations on managing small woodlands for timber and woodfuel production.

Who is the event for?:

Farmers
Small Woodland Owners and Managers
Farm and Forestry Contractors and Agents
Woodfuel Producers

Event Outcomes:

Improve your woodlands for better timber quality and increased biodiversity
Increase income and enable woodland management by reaching new markets for wood as fuel
Learn how to select appropriate markets for wood products
Realise the potential to reduce heating costs and your carbon footprint, and secure a sustainable fuel supply

Indoor seminar session – Topics to include:

Description/location of market and resource
Successful cooperative management of small scale woodlands
Methods of small scale harvesting
Small scale woodfuel harvesting considerations
Woodfuel processing and marketing

Outdoor machinery demonstration - To include:

Methods of small scale harvesting, extraction and processing to maximise value
Woodland access considerations for thinning felling and extraction
Woodfuel storage and drying
Wood fuel processing demonstration
Maximising the value of small scale woodlands

For more information please visit: www.usewoodfuel.co.uk

To book please e-mail: Grampian.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Cumbria Organics Annual General Meeting Wednesday 7th March

jdingwall — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:01:00 GMT

Cumbria Organics AGM is on 7th March 2012 at the Westmorland Agricultural Society Ltd, Land Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe LA7 7NH.

It will start at 6.30 with a short business meeting for Cumbria Organic members.

This will be followed at 7.00 by a free organic supper -- all welcome.

At 7.30 the open meeting will begin, with presentations from Helen Browning of the Soil Association, Steve Clarkson of Organic Farmers & Growers and James Hadwin of SAC consulting.

It is hoped this will lead to an interesting and constructive discussion where Helen, Steve and James will take questions from the floor. This is a great opportunity to engage with some of the most influential people in the organics industry.

Please contact Cumbria Organics if you would like to attend so they have an idea of numbers for the supper and talk. For more information see their website.

TILMAN-ORG: Reduced tillage and green manures on organic farms

jdingwall — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:36:00 GMT

The Nafferton Ecological Farming Group (NEFG) and the Organic Research Centre (ORC) are collaborating with partners in 10 European countries on this new research project.

The overall goals of the project Reduced tillage and green manures for sustainable organic cropping systems – TILMAN-ORG are to design improved organic cropping systems with enhanced productivity and nutrient use efficiency, more efficient weed management and increased biodiversity, but lower carbon footprints.

The TILMAN-ORG project is funded by the CORE Organic II Funding Bodies being partners of the FP7 ERA-Net project, CORE Organic II (www.coreorganic2.org).

Click here to find out more.

Project update: The review of the National Occupational Standards for Amenity and Production Horticulture

edownham — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the Land-based and Environmental Sector, commenced a review in June 2011 of the current National Occupational Standards (NOS) for both Amenity and Production Horticulture. National Occupational Standards define the skills, knowledge and understanding required of those employed within the industry and are used as a benchmark for those who provide training and qualifications. The aim of the review is to create just one suite of NOS to cover all aspects of the Horticulture industry and ensure that it is up to date and an accurate reflection of the skills needed within the industry.

RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award

jdingwall — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:47:00 GMT

The annual RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award celebrates the fantastic work farmers are doing for wildlife - with a top prize of £1,000 for the very best!

You can enter now for the 2012 competition.

Download the form at www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/farming/natureoffarming/index.aspx and enter today for your chance to be the UK's most wildlife-friendly farmer in 2012.

The closing date for this year’s award is 20 April 2012.

South Scotland Woodfuel Forum, Tuesday 28 February

jdingwall — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:57:00 GMT

Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Group invite you to the inaugural meeting of a new South Scotland Woodfuel Forum on Tuesday 28 February

14:00 - 17:00 (lunch available from 13:00)
Queens Hotel, Lockerbie, DG11 2RB

This meeting will be of relevance for:
• Businesses and public sector organisations interested in reducing energy bills and increasing their green
credentials; the meeting will provide the opportunity to find out about the financial benefits of using renewable heat
and how the technology works, to identify potential suppliers and to find out where to go for further information
• Potential suppliers of biomass and biomass installations; the meeting will provide information on how to enter the
supply chain and the requirements for doing so
• Existing suppliers of biomass and biomass installations; the meeting will allow you to interact with potential end
users and identify how best to promote the biomass sector in the region

Expert presenters will cover the following subjects:
• Financial incentives
• The supply chain in South Scotland
• Biomass boiler technology
• The co-operative approach to woodfuel supply
• Woodfuel standards and accreditation

To register, please either: -
1. Book online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/RD3BXLY
2. Contact Virginia Harden on 07919 263190 or via forums@usewoodfuel.co.uk

The South Scotland Woodfuel Forum is being established to assist the continuing development of the woodfuel sector in the region. It is the latest addition to a network of 5 Woodfuel Forums throughout Scotland, established and supported by Forestry Commission Scotland and delivered in association with partner organisations. The network of Forums aims to encourage members to work together to increase the uptake of renewable heat. Meetings are free to attend and provide a valuable opportunity for suppliers through to end users to share ideas and discuss woodfuel issues.

Further details of the Scottish Woodfuel Forum network are available at www.usewoodfuel.co.uk

Scotland's Future Farmer Award 2012 launches

jdingwall — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:58:00 GMT

Entries are being sought for Scotland’s Future Farmer Award 2012 with £4,000 on offer to reward the winner’s outstanding contribution to the farming industry.

An initiative funded by the Elizabeth Murray Trust and supported by NFU Scotland (www.nfus.org.uk), its website says the award is aimed at showcasing ways in which the country can produce food, fibre and wood products from farms and crofts in a commercially viable way while maintaining the land’s “natural capital and minimizing the ecological footprint of farming activities”.

“The Future Farmer Award hopes to recognise and reward a farmer who can demonstrate forward thinking, passion and dedication to the farming industry in a way that also shows us how farming and the environment can work hand-in-hand towards the sustainability of rural Scotland,” said Michael Williams, who runs the award.

“I should like to encourage direct entries or third party nominations that can help us to showcase commercial farming and environmental sustainability.”

Scottish farmers entering can be of any age, male or female, and involved in livestock or arable farming.

In addition to the £4,000, the Future Farmer Award 2012 winner will also receive a package of practical support to help them promote their ideas to other farmers and land managers.

Information on how to enter is available at www.futurefarmer.org.uk/award. The closing date is 29 April 2012.

Applications for the 2012 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards are now open

jdingwall — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:49:00 GMT

Enter the 'Oscars' of the Scottish food and drink industry.

The awards, run jointly by Scotland Food & Drink and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, have been recognising and rewarding the very best in Scottish food and drink for many years and continue to be considered a true badge of excellence.

This year, for the first time, we are delighted to welcome ASDA as main sponsors. We also offer our thanks to all other sponsors, listed above, for their support of the 2012 awards.

Within the awards, there are a total of 17 categories aimed at rewarding companies and their products in areas such as skills development and new product innovation and everything in between.

Application forms are all available at www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/events/excellence-awards.aspx

We encourage all those who believe they are working hard to excel in any sphere of the food and drink industry to consider entering.

Entries close on Friday 2 March 2012.

If you have any queries about the entry process, please contact David Cochrane on 0131 335 6207 or davidac@rhass.org.uk

If you would like to book tickets for the awards ceremony and dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel which takes place on Thursday 24th May 2012, please contact Linda Chirnside on 0131 335 0940 or linda.chirnside@scotlandfoodanddrink.org. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.

Any other queries should be directed to Anna Davies on anna.davies@scotlandfoodanddrink.org or 0131 335 0940

Farming & Freshwater - diffuse pollution and SRDP

jdingwall — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:04:00 GMT

Meeting & Farm Site Visit: Spynie Hall, near Elgin, 10.15 am Wednesday 25th January 2012

You are invited along to a meeting and farm site visit, including free soup & sandwich lunch, at Spynie Hall near Elgin on Wed 25th Jan 2012.

The workshop is part of a Scotland-wide project to provide management advice in relation to important freshwater sites, designated for supporting special wildlife features. Focusing on Loch Spynie SSSI, we will look at why the site is locally and nationally important, the current status of the loch as well as issues relating to water quality in the catchment and wider area.

Soils and other conditions within river basins have historically produced fertile, productive land ideal for growing crops and feeding & watering livestock. Increasingly, however, issues relating to water quality are becoming higher on the agenda. Farmers are now finding themselves facing numerous responsibilities and levels of legislation and often have a need to identify mitigation solutions where diffuse pollution problems are identified on the farm. The causes of water quality issues are complex and vary within each catchment. However, there are potential benefits of positive management of the sites to farm businesses in terms of savings and delivery of public services.

The aim of the meeting for farmers and land managers is to raise awareness of water quality and diffuse pollution issues. It will be a useful reminder of the need to protect your single farm payment subsidies through “cross-compliance” measures and obligations of General Binding Rules.

The subject of catchment-sensitive farming will be tackled. A representative from Masstock Arable (UK) Ltd specialising in providing advice, technology and innovations to the farming sector, will make a presentation focussing on precision agronomy to target inputs. Speakers from SEPA and Landcare NorthEast will advise farmers on how to stay on the right side of the regulations. They will also highlight opportunities for funding under the current Rural Priorities scheme.

After presentations and lunch, there will be a farm site visit courtesy of Pitgavey Estate to look at some examples of positive management already in place. The topics discussed will be of interest to farmers and land managers across the catchment and beyond.

The meeting is free and open to all. To help with catering arrangements, please book through Landcare NorthEast by e-mailing flora@landcarenortheast or calling 019755 81151

Soil, Muck & Money: Nutrient Management Event. Thursday 23rd February 2012, Elgin

jdingwall — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:10:00 GMT

A practical day looking at soil management, making best use of FYM and slurry, utilizing clover to fix nitrogen and an introduction to PLANET.

Speakers include James Bretherton, AgScope, Richard Huxtable and Gavin Elrick, SAC.

The day will also include a visit to Pitgaveny Farm.

The event is free of charge to primary producers & £60.00 plus VAT to others.

Places are limited and booking is essential so lunch and resource packs can be provided. For further information please call Lyn Matheson on 0131 666 0847 or email lmatheson@soilassociation.org

With support from SRDP’s Skills Development Scheme & QMS

CAP Reform Meetings

jdingwall — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:57:00 GMT

Crucial farm reforms explained

The public will get the chance to find out about vital European proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy at a series of meetings across Scotland.

Senior Scottish Government officials will chair the road shows which start on December 6 in Perth and take in thirteen venues from Shetland and Skye to Lanark and Lauder.

After officials have outlined the European Commission proposals, and their likely impact on Scotland, there will be a question and answer session.

Although meetings are being held around the country, to allow as many people as possible to attend, a podcast will also be available for those who are unable to attend a road show.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"We're determined to get a fair deal for Scotland's farmers in the current CAP reform negotiations. The formal negotiations have begun in earnest and the Scottish Government is working hard to ensure that Scotland's voice is heard - both in Brussels and Westminster.

"But it's also vital that Scottish farmers are kept informed about the progress of the negotiations and have the opportunity to air their views. After all, it's their livelihoods that will be directly affected.

"That's why I have outlined a five-point engagement plan for stakeholders and these public meetings are a key part of this process. I hope as many people as possible will take this opportunity to find out about what CAP reform might mean for them. I hope to be able to attend some of the meetings to hear people's views."

Farmers throughout Scotland will also receive a letter from Mr Lochhead shortly giving further details about the CAP reform proposals.

The meetings, which all start at 7.30pm, will take place on:

December 6 - Dewar Centre, Perth

December 7 - Thainstone Exchange, Inverurie

December 12 - Carfrae Mill, Lauder

December 13 - Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

January 9 - Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

January 10 - Lerwick Museum, Lerwick

January 11 - Albert Hotel, Kirkwall

January 17 - Thistle Hotel, Inverness

January 18 - Camanachd Shinty Club, Portree

January 18 - Park Hotel, Thurso

January 30 - Lanark Mart, Lanark

January 31 - Western Hotel, Ayr

February 1 - Corran Halls, Oban

Andrew Whitley receives a Special Judges' Award in the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2011

jdingwall — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:10:00 GMT

A man who has helped to change the way Britain thinks about bread and now teaches baking at his home in Lamancha, West Linton, Peeblesshire, was honoured today, in an unusual move, with a Special Judges’ Award at the BBC Food & Farming Awards.

Sheila Dillon, presenter of the Food Programme on BBC Radio 4, thanked Whitley for his work in making, and campaigning for, real bread and for giving us his book Bread Matters, the ‘bible for real bread bakers’.

Andrew Whitley’s impressive track record began in 1976 when he founded the Village Bakery in Melmerby, Cumbria and created one of the UK”s best known organic brands. From there, he led the revival in artisan baking, a cause that continued when he left the Village Bakery and concentrated on teaching others to bake in his business Bread Matters. His controversial book, also called Bread Matters, was published in 2006 and in 2009 he co-founded the Real Bread Campaign.

Whitley is curently involved in long-overdue scientific research into the digestibility of bread, once more asking challenging questions about why this food, which ought to be the staff of life, sometimes actually makes people ill.

And, as always, he is collaborating with others who care enough to want to get real bread into their local communities. Whitley is a founding member of Breadshare, a communitysupported bakery that is due to start baking real, artisan bread using organic, local ingredients at Whitmuir Farm in Lamancha. Whitley said today: ‘The award is recognition that something wonderful is happening all over the country: people are making real bread at home, with friends and in new micro-bakeries. We’re changing bread for the better and that means healthier people, renewed communities and a less damaged environment. Even better, it’s starting soon in Lamancha.’

The Breadshare Community Interest Company has just appointed its first baker. Connor Rose, of West Linton, said today: ‘This is great news for Andrew Whitley, great news for real bread, and great news for me. I’ve already learned a lot from him and I’m looking forward to his support in Breadshare’.

Winner of the Best Food Producer Award was the inspirational Loch Arthur Creamery at Camphill Community, Dumfries, Scotland http://www.locharthur.org.uk/~locharthur/creamery-and-farm-shop/

Chair of the judges, restaurateur Richard Corrigan could not speak highly enough of the cheeses (particularly the Criffel, which reminded him of rediscovering his native Irish cheeses twenty years ago), and said: ‘When you have great bread, great butter and great cheese, you’ve got a food culture - and we’ve got one here’.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was declared the 2011 BBC Food Champion

Further information:

The BBC Food & Farming Awards celebrate the people and organisations, all of them nominated by BBC audiences, behind the best of British food. The Awards took place on Wednesday 23rd November 2011 at the BBC Good Food Show, NEC, Birmingham. They will be broadcast on Friday 25th November at 12.05pm and in special awards editions of The Food Programme on Sunday 28th November at 12.30pm and Monday 29th November at 4.00pm.

Andrew Whitley teaches bread making courses for enthusiastic amateurs, professional cooks and chefs, community bakers, at Macbiehill Farmhouse in Lamancha, West Linton. He was shortlisted for the Derek Cooper Award, which went to Food for Life, and received a Special Judges’ Award.
http://www.breadmatters.com

The Real Bread Campaign is the national network that brings together everyone whocares about the state of bread in Britain.
http://www.sustainweb.org/realbread/

Breadshare Community Interest Company is a group of people who love real bread and want it to be available to everybody, creating a viable, sustainable, not-for-profit bakery business in the Scottish Borders.
http://www.breadshare.co.uk/

Please contact
Veronica Burke at Bread Matters
veronicaburke@me.com or telephone 01968 660449

Highest protection for organic “Native Shetland Wool”

jdingwall — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:49:00 GMT

Shetland wool producers bid to reclaim the ‘magic’ of Shetland wool.

Organic “Native Shetland Wool“ is set to be given the highest level of protection assuring proof of provenance and breed, joining products such as Shetland Lamb, Cornish Clotted Cream and Blue Stilton Cheese in receiving Protected Designation Origin (PDO) accreditation. This will make it the UK’s first non-food and drink product to be registered under the scheme.

PDO status, under the EU's Protected Food Name (PFN) scheme, will afford Organic “Native Shetland Wool” legal protection, giving consumers the utmost guarantee that they are buying the genuine, premium product from Shetland.

The lengthy application process has meant a near 6-year wait for ShetlandOrganics CIC, a Community Interest Company of crofters and farmers formed to initiate a series of business development projects. Clearly, such definitive accreditation as the PDO requires determination on the part of producers. ShetlandOrganics is grateful for the assistance of both Scottish Government and DEFRA in guiding their progress through the system.

Formal legal protection comes into force 20 days following publication of the Commission Implementing Regulation in the EU Official Journal, this was published on 8 November..

The successful bid from ShetlandOrganics has come at the right time. Surging demand for genuine wool products has resulted in a huge rise in market prices for Scotland sheep fleece. This increase for Scotland’s sheep farmers is a welcome boost and after years of decline is at a 25 year high.

Announcing the PDO accreditation, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

“Scotland is home to some of the most popular protected food name products in Europe - including Scotch Beef and Scottish Farmed Salmon – and I'm delighted that Native Shetland Wool joins this exclusive club.

“The high quality of Scottish sheep fleece together with extensive world-wide promotion of wool has seen demand soar. Consumers are moving away from synthetic offerings and demanding the genuine article – be it clothing or furnishings. Therefore, protecting our valuable natural resources is absolutely crucial.

“Scotland is a land rich in raw materials and the Scottish Government will work with companies to make sure more of our iconic produce has maximum protection. There is no substitute for our fantastic Scottish produce, and the market clearly shows this.

“The 2010 wool clip value is double that of 2009, and three times that of 2008. Scotland’s sheep farmers are well placed to benefit from this remarkable rise in market prices, currently at a 25 year high.”

Dorota Rychlik from ShetlandOrganics CIC said:

“We are all delighted that as ShetlandOrganics members, we have finally received the well-deserved accreditation which, we find, means a lot to our well-informed customer and buyer of our outstanding woollen products. It comes at the time of increasing consumer awareness of provenance and traceability, and while the indigenous industries are enjoying a happy revival, as demonstrated by the popularity of our Wool Week here, in Shetland. We could not have hoped for a better boost for our long-term determination to achieve European and world-wide recognition for the special quality of Shetland wool.”

Contact
Iona MacPherson : 0131 244 5193 / 07917 588 521

Organic heroes nominated for Radio 4 Food & Farming Awards

tyoung — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:52:00 GMT

The Soil Association led Food for Life Partnership, the lottery funded network of schools and communities across England committed to transforming food culture, has been nominated for the prestigious Derek Cooper award in the up and coming BBC Radio 4 Food & Farming Awards. Named after The Food Programme's first presenter, this award recognises ‘unsung heroes, whose work has increased our access to, and knowledge and appreciation of, good food’ and the nomination recognises the efforts the Partnership has made in reaching out through schools to give communities access to seasonal, local and organic food, and in developing the skills needed for more people to cook and grow fresh food.

Food for Life team reaps national award

edownham — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:33:00 GMT

East Ayrshire Council recently celebrated winning an APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) award in a UK-wide competition which drew around 300 submissions in total.

12 November deadline to comment on Scotland's Organic Action Plan

pmundy — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:26:00 GMT

Soil Association members have until Friday 12 November to comment on the draft Organic Action Plan action.

Organic part-time postgraduate opportunity

pmundy — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:37:00 GMT

Promoting Scotland's finest at the Royal Highland Show

pmundy — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:36:00 GMT

Soil Association Scotland is hoping to promote Scotland's finest organic products at its stand at the Roal Highland Show on 24-27 June 2010.

New climate change case study available: Balkemback Farm in Angus

pmundy — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:53:00 GMT

Soil Association Scotland is producing a series of case studies, under its Climate Change Programme, to highlight how individual farmers are meeting the challenges of climate change – and to encourage other farmers to consider what they can do to adapt their practice and reduce their carbon footprint.

Soil Association Website

VIBES Awards 2013

Lets go greener together

Soil Association Scotland is delighted to be working with the Scottish Government to help highlight the ‘Go Greener Together’ campaign. Have you heard about it?

St Jerome’s Field community growing project, Tay valley

Grow more grass with the GrassMaster Event, Wednesday 12th June, Drymen

Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Organic Farming

SRDP 2014-2020 Stage 1 Consultation and Roadshows

Organic Sale: Thainstone Mart

Not in my burn! Diffuse pollution: what is it and how to avoid it, Monday 20th May, Aviemore

Fallen stock assistance

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards

Emirates Arena caterer wins food gold medal

Whitmuir to become Scotland's first community-owned farm

Murray Trust Future Farmer Award - 2013 Round Open (Scotland)

North Ayrshire Council awarded gold Food for Life Catering Mark

Soil, Muck & Money: Nutrient Management Event

Friday 15th March, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas, DG7 1QN

Nominate your favourite farmer

1 in 10 schools in Scotland do know where their food comes from, thanks to the Food for Life Catering Mark

RSPB Nature of Farming Award 2013

Water and Wood Renewables Event

Learning event: Meet Paul Holmbeck of Organic Denmark

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2013

A first for University of Edinburgh's student catering

RSPB: Nature of Scotland Awards

Farmers Weekly Awards 2013

Grampian Food Forum Innovation Food Awards 2013

SRUC Organic Producer Conference 2013: Organic Prospects

Nature of Scotland Awards

Soil, Muck & Money: Nutrient Management Event

Tuesday 26th February 2013, Jedburgh

Catering Mark consultations: have your say

Scottish organic forum event report

Government boost to fresh, healthy and organic school meals

Thumbs up for Stirling school meals

Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2012

Renewable Heat Incentive Awareness Raising Event

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2012

2012 Farmers Weekly Awards

Deadline Approaches - Air your views on CAP reform. Consultation ends 24th April.

Essential Building Blocks: Soil & Grass Event. Thursday 24th May, Jedburgh

Rural food and farming business adopts e-commerce as a vital life-line during recession

Herculean Easter Hunt Sunday 8th April

Show off at the Show

Livestock sales

STOP PRESS Observer Ethical Awards 2012

SRDP Deadline approaches

Applications to be submitted by 30 March 2012 Important Producer Information

• Qualitative contribution

• Guidance notes for RPACs and Case Officers

RHI Application Help Events

Renewable Heat Incentive - how to apply for funding for renewable heat generation

Ofgem are holding free, national events on the RHI during March and April 2012.

Final version of group strategy published

Schmallenberg Virus briefing from the National Sheep Association

Glenlivet Woodland Management and Woodfuel Production Workshop - Tuesday 27th March 2012

Who is the event for?:

Event Outcomes:

Indoor seminar session – Topics to include:

Outdoor machinery demonstration - To include:

Cumbria Organics Annual General Meeting Wednesday 7th March

TILMAN-ORG: Reduced tillage and green manures on organic farms

Project update: The review of the National Occupational Standards for Amenity and Production Horticulture

RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award

South Scotland Woodfuel Forum, Tuesday 28 February

Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies Group invite you to the inaugural meeting of a new South Scotland Woodfuel Forum on Tuesday 28 February

14:00 - 17:00 (lunch available from 13:00) Queens Hotel, Lockerbie, DG11 2RB

Scotland's Future Farmer Award 2012 launches

Applications for the 2012 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards are now open

Farming & Freshwater - diffuse pollution and SRDP

Soil, Muck & Money: Nutrient Management Event. Thursday 23rd February 2012, Elgin

CAP Reform Meetings

Crucial farm reforms explained

Andrew Whitley receives a Special Judges' Award in the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2011

Highest protection for organic “Native Shetland Wool”

Organic heroes nominated for Radio 4 Food & Farming Awards

Food for Life team reaps national award

12 November deadline to comment on Scotland's Organic Action Plan

Organic part-time postgraduate opportunity

Applications to be submitted by 30 March 2012
Important Producer Information

14:00 - 17:00 (lunch available from 13:00)
Queens Hotel, Lockerbie, DG11 2RB