Rural Payments and Services

What was the biggest innovation for agriculture in 2016?

Precision farming currently allows farmers to analyse the soil to deliver inputs such as seed, fertiliser and lime to exactly where it is needed, to improve efficiency, avoid waste and lessen any environmental damage from unused nutrients.

Why is this so significant and what impact has that had?

For Scottish farmers and crofters, confronted by challenging landscapes, a volatile climate and remoteness from markets, means that many look to technology to help them work more effectively when already stretched. However, it is as yet of little use to much of Scotland’s Less Favoured Areas, of which Scotland has 85 per cent.

What do you think will be the biggest innovation in 2017?

Although precision farming goes a way to identifying where nutrients are needed, a more accurate, area specific, type of technology to analyse the soil and its structure would assist in making better use of this.

Drones are an exciting new development which will allow easier inspection of crops and analysis of land, particularly in less favoured or more remote areas. In areas with vast landscape drones are also being used to bring stock off the hills in areas where farmer, dog and quad were unable to do so.

What will the impact be?

Drones can not only assist in improving time and cost efficiency, but also allowing the farmer to put their energy to better use. It is all the more important that such efficiencies are made at a time when food producers are feeling the real impacts of tightening markets and margins, as well as physical factors such as climate change.

The development of technology that makes recording, measuring and planning easier, and which enables farm assurance and Xcomp recording to be done as it happens in real time, can only be of benefit to our industry.

How can producers get involved?

In parts of Scotland, the use of technologies based around GPS and applications involving mobile or wireless networks continue to be limited. However, NFU Scotland welcomes the inclusion of connectivity in the brief of our new Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, and moves in the UK and Scottish Governments to broaden rural connectivity so we can be brought into the 21st Century and make the most of all the potential that is on offer.

What was the biggest innovation for agriculture in 2016?

For SASA, a significant event in 2016 was the first ever prosecution for wildlife crime using DNA evidence, which we were able to supply to police.

We have now been able to provide support to several successful prosecutions.

Why is this so significant?

This could potentially help efforts to combat animal crime that affects farmers, such as sheep worrying or attacks on other livestock. The thing that is so significant is the potential it has.

What do you think will be the biggest innovation in 2017?

In 2017, Scotland will continue and hopefully conclude its negotiations with China over allowing in exports of Scottish seed potatoes. If a deal can be reached this year, it would be significant and welcome recognition of the high-health quality of Scottish seed.

What will the impact be?

China is the world’s biggest potato market, so gaining access offers potential opportunities and benefits to Scottish agriculture and farmers. It would also continue to diversify the market for Scottish seed potatoes and contribute towards the sustainable growth of the sector.

What was the biggest game-changer for agriculture in 2016?

Brexit

Why is this so significant?

There is a major opportunity for change, so we must be out there showing how agriculture is part of the solution.

What impact has it had?

In the short term, prices have improved due to a weaker pound but import prices are now going steeply upwards, impacting on machinery costs.

What do you think will be the biggest innovation or game-changer in 2017?

Drones/robotics.

What will the impact be?

It sets new standards in attention to detail, allowing cost effective applications and targeting inputs.

How can producers get involved?

Farmers can research what is available to them just now and apply it to their own business.