The James Hutton Institute and the Rowett Institute, two of Scotland’s leading research organisations, will join forces at this year’s Royal Highland Show, to showcase pioneering work on crops and land use for security, resilience, safety and environmental stability as well as the health of humans and animals.
Running from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June, the shared stand on 7th Avenue, will highlight cutting-edge science that underpins sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and healthy communities.
Renowned for its research on crops, land, natural resources and rural communities, the Hutton will focus on its innovation centres that drive resilience and sustainability across agriculture and land use, such as its National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) which is future-proofing the potato sector; and the International Barley Hub (IBH) which connects industry-focused research with innovation to deliver immediate impact and long-term sustainability for one of the world’s most important crops.
The Hutton’s Climate Positive Farming Initiative (CPFI) at Glensaugh, which aims for net‑zero or net‑negative emissions while enhancing natural assets and long‑term farm viability, will be featured.
On the Thursday afternoon, 1500 – 1600, the Hutton will host a special reception to mark the tercentenary of James Hutton, using this event to reflect on how his pioneering insights into the earth’s systems have helped shape agriculture and continues to inspire Hutton research today. The reception will also mark the launch of the Hutton’s new five-year corporate plan.
The Rowett Institute, a global leader in nutrition and health research, will demonstrate how sustainable diets and food systems can enhance health and wellbeing across society. It will offer a taste of the future – quite literally – thanks to samples of foods featured in its farm-to-fork work on moulding food systems and diets that are healthier both for people and for the planet.
There will be a focus on crops such as hemp and barley which have huge potential to reduce imports of soya, coir and wheat for animal feed as well as in the reformulation of popular baked goods. Innovative ways to grow mushrooms, a new organic oil, the benefits of rediscovering our taste for Scottish-caught seafood, the benefits of oats and the role of friendly bacteria in reducing emissions from farms will also feature.
It will look at research that could help reduce the need for fertilisers and crops that can reduce our reliance on imports - as well as hearing from farmers and food producers about the challenges they face and what they need from the science.
Leading scientists from the Rowett, Wendy Russell and Karen Scott, will join the Hutton’s Pete Iannetta and David Thomson from Food and Drink Federation Scotland, NFU Scotland’s David Michie and others on Thursday, 1030 – 1130, for a panel debate in the Scottish Government marquee to consider how science is helping address the challenges of food security and food prices.
The Rowett will host its traditional Friday reception,1530 – 1630, in collaboration with Scotland Food and Drink’s Net Zero Partnership, to mark progress on the industry’s Climate Transition Plan, which sets out to provide a strategic roadmap to help meet the Scottish Government’s legally binding 2045 emissions commitment. It identifies priority emissions sources and climate-related risks, prioritises decarbonisation levers and resilience building blocks and makes recommendations to industry and government to enable coordinated delivery.
Both institutes will have tasters on the stand including drinks made from wild edibles, and barley biscuits and ice-cream and sorbet made from Hutton-cultivated soft fruit. The stand will feature highlights of both institutes’ research, including where they collaborate on the Scottish Government’s five-year Strategic Research Programme as part of the wider Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions (SEFARI) Gateway group.
Together, the James Hutton Institute and the Rowett Institute promise an engaging and informative presence at this year’s Royal Highland Show, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore how world‑class research is shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.
The Hutton is also delighted to be sponsoring two of The Scottish Farmer’s Big Farm Debates:
On Thursday 18th June, 1330 – 1430, Is regenerative agriculture the future – or just rebranded common sense? will feature, amongst others, Dr Alison Karley, head of Ecological Sciences at the Hutton, and on Friday 19th June at 1000, the question will be, Are we woefully underprepared for the next 50 years of climate on Scottish farms? with the Hutton’s Dr Mark Wilkinson, a flood risk management scientist, on the panel.
Both debates will be delivered and chaired by The Scottish Farmer, ensuring a well-informed and engaged audience.
Tickets to the Royal Highland Show, at a reduced rate of £40, are available now https://royalhighlandshow.seetickets.com/go/royalhighlandshow-aghn9r