Aims

In “You Are What Your Food Eats”, we aim to investigate the long-term effects of land-use decisions on climate change and the food chain. This is part of a long-term project that SEDA Land is running in and around Huntly. The event forms part of a collaboration between the community, scientists, landowners, farmers, food processors, distributors and retailers.

We want to help the community, landowners and managers understand and visualise alternative ways of producing food in a productive and ecological landscape that serves both the climate and the community. This could lead to new forms of employment, food security, community cohesion and health benefits.

We will start by looking at the range of food that could provide the nutrition for a healthy diet for the population in Huntly; which crops can be grown locally, by traditional or alternative methods; and how to achieve that. 

A roundtable discussion involving all stakeholders in the production and distribution of food will look at how we can add value to Huntly's food supply chain to achieve resilience and health equity. We will identify obstacles and propose solutions to achieving a fair and just transition to net zero in the rural land-use sector. Our key findings will help shape future Scottish Government policy, informing its "Just Transition Plan for Land Use and Agriculture", the "Scottish National Adaptation Plan" as well as wider climate policy.

We will also consider related sustainable land uses, such as forestry, alternative bio-product crops and different types of renewable energy.

Huntly was selected because it is a good example of a highland town with a mid-sized population (4,460), where the surrounding farmland is currently mainly tilled or used for grazing. We will explore the potential for alternative land uses – including introducing the local community and farmers to growing food on slopes; seasonal food; foraged food and indoor-grown food. We will also demonstrate that alternative and regenerative farming increases biodiversity, carbon storage and brings other benefits.

“You are what your food eats”

From “The Plant Paradox” by Dr. R. Steven Gundry

SHORT TALKs

During the day, both in the field and round the table, short talks will be given by several participants including:

• Soil science – Lorna Dawson, SEFARI Gateway 

• Regenerative farming – Roger Polson

• Silviculture and agroforestry – Andrew Barbour, Mains of Fincastle

• The Food for Life supply chain model and barriers to be overcome – David McKay, Head of Policy, Scotland, Soil Association

• Nature-based food solutions – Wendy Russell, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen

Programme & date

A one-day event organised by SEDA  Land in collaboration with SEFARI Gateway, the James Hutton Institute and Scotland's Rural College.

Wednesday 28th February 2024

10:30am - 12:30pm: Tour of Knock Farm, Huntly – a 1400 acre organic mixed farm by owner Roger Polson. There are limited spaces for this event allocated on a first come first served basis.

12:30 - 1:30pm: Lunch at, Knock Farm, Huntly.

1:30 - 4pm: Roundtable discussion, Knock Farm, Huntly. Attendance in person by invitation only. Unlimited online attendance.

ARTISTIC INTERLUDES have been especially commissioned for this event. You will be the first to hear traditional fiddler, Sarah McFadyen play ‘Hey Dinner Lady’ and ‘This Earth Is At The Heart’ and local poet and author, Dawn Finch, read TBC both in the field and in the conference room.