Food For Thought

QMS is continuing its support of the Champions in Schools programme aimed at inspiring, educating and motivating school-age children.

Thumbs Up For Workshops

A programme of support to help Forth Valley farmers access the SRDP Rural Priorities Scheme has been given the green light to continue and expand in to Fife during 2010.

Potato Pete

There has been optimism recently regarding the opening of the massive
Chinese market for Scottish seed potato growers but Nuffield scholar, Peter Grewar, has no illusions on that prospect. “The Chinese only want one thing and that is access to the knowledge and expertise that we have.
I see no benefit from going into that market, they just want the technology.”
He pointed out that the Chinese do not recognise Plant Breeder Rights and this means they can multiply up varieties bred elsewhere without paying any recompense to the original breeder.

Grassland Development

SAC have commenced a project, sponsored by QMS to help

beef and sheep farmers make better use of grass and forage. Two “Grassland Development Farms” have been established.

These farms will provide the focus for the project and will host 3-4 meetings a year.

Reflections

The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) was designated a Higher

Education Institution a year ago this month, and is taking time to reflect on the past year.