Agribusiness News September 2024

Welcome to the September edition of Agribusiness News.  If you prefer to download this document click the download button.

N e w s  i n  b r i e f

New self-sufficiency figures for Scotland & UK

This year, so far, has presented wetter and cooler weather on average across the UK, disrupting growth stages for crops and making field operations challenging. As highlighted in this month’s cereals article (pg 3), yields across Europe are expected to be poor, although the US is seeing a bumper crop.

In livestock, both sheep and beef prices continue to strengthen amid limited supply and shrinking numbers (see pages 4 and 5); this month Wales reported beef registrations were down 4.5%, reflecting UK-wide trends of a 4% reduction in England and 2% in Scotland. While prices are positive, reduction in numbers to raise concerns around maintaining a stable internal market infrastructure, particularly in less connected rural areas.

This month also saw Defra announce 2023 figures on UK’s food self-sufficiency – 62%, which reflects a small decline over the last decade. However, livestock sectors typically show high levels of self-sufficiency, with vegetables being the category most dependent on imports at 53% self-sufficiency, the lowest since records began in 1988. New research published by SRUC and The Rowett Institute presents an assessment of Scotland’s food self-sufficiency.

There are new steps to further support regional food and drink, with Scottish Government announcing on the 1^st August £100,000 available for Scottish food businesses, producers and groups under Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund. Applications are for £5,000 grants, and can be submitted here.

The Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF) have also been awarding grants under a £7.2 million fund, including food and drink businesses. Separately, funding has been announced to develop a green hydrogen hub in Speyside, using waste product from whisky distilleries.

Next month:

• Biomass boilers
• Silage and winter feed

This month’s editor – Anna Sellars