Arbikie, Abattoirs and Arable Scotland

I have spent the last week visiting farmers, researchers, packers and processors in Scotland and I am truly in awe of the talented people & businesses supporting this amazing sector!

I kicked off my travels with a visit to Dr Keith Dawson who shared inspiring tales of introducing modern crop techniques to western Ukraine over 20 years ago, building Europe’s biggest arable operation, spanning over 200k ha, regenerating its depleted soils and leaving an incredible legacy for the surrounding community. His commitment to the people of Ukraine continues, launching the ‘Pick-ups for Peace’ initiative, calling on farmers to donate their jeeps to the frontline. To date, 6 convoys have made the journey and 160 pick ups.
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​It is always a joy to visit my good friend Caroline Millar, a formidable agricultural entrepreneur who dedicates so much time, passion & energy - mostly voluntarily - advocating on behalf of farmers and driving the development of Scottish Agritourism. My Nuffield topic is all about building a positive narrative around farming and Caroline is a brilliant champion for the sector!

I had the pleasure of visiting Andrew Stirling of Upper Dysart Larder to take a tour of his very impressive potato packing facility and soak up his enthusiasm for growing the business and trialling novel ideas. It was particularly interesting to hear his views on the price taking/price setting relationship that is often talked about in farming and to hear how he is always striving to add value to his business & command a premium for his produce!

I visited Mark Clark of Grampian Growers Limited to hear about their brilliant daffodil, bulbs & seed potato business and was very impressed to learn how a small and more traditional coop is giving more power and support to its members. During the Royal Highland Show, I met with some of the brilliant team at SAOS Ltd Tim Bailey and had a great conversation about the huge potential coop's have to play in building better collaboration across sectors and giving farmers more of a say at a decision-making level - something I am looking forward to exploring more with my research.

During a visit to ABP Food Group Perth, MD Frank Ross kindly took the time to talk me through their journey and arrange a tour of the impressive abattoir/boning hall, all building on an important and needed conversation around the transparency of red meat production.

After catching up with lots of friendly faces at Arable Scotland at the impressive Balruddery Farm of The James Hutton Institute, I went for a tour of Arbikie Highland Estate distillery with Iain Stirling and was mesmerised not only by the stunning views over Lunan Bay, but the beautifully curated field to bottle story behind their famous climate positive range of spirits. I am so excited to follow their journey as their sustainable spirits revolutionise the decarbonisation of the global drinks market.