Author Archive: RBSTScotland

The winners announced!

Posted on by

 Winners of 2023 RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards Announced 

The winners of the 2023 RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards have been announced, recognising their excellence in sustainable food and farming. 

The awards were presented to winners from across Scotland by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP at a ceremony during the Royal Highland Show on Thursday 22nd June 2023. 

The awards are run by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in Scotland (RBST Scotland). RBST is the national charity that promotes the UK’s rare native livestock and equine breeds. The RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability awards celebrate the people and businesses throughout Scotland’s farming and food industry who have placed environmental sustainability and native breeds at the heart of what they do. This year marks the awards programme’s second year, as it returns following its successful launch in 2022. 

Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, who presented the awards to the winners at the Royal Highland Show, said: “I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust for all the hard work they do to protect and nurture a vital part of the agriculture industry. We want to transform farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. The valuable insight of the RBST means that it has a vital role in helping us to achieve this goal. I’d like to congratulate all of today’s winners and nominees. They are ensuring that sustainable farming and food production tells a story – a story not only of Scotland’s proud rural heritage, but of our future too.” 

Martin Beard, RBST Vice President Scotland, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the innovative, sustainable food and farming businesses in Scotland, through the return of our RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards this year. In 2023 we are marking 50 years since RBST’s formation and it is a great occasion to celebrate the businesses and people leading the way towards a more sustainable future in Scotland. The standard of entries was again exceptionally high which is a real testament to the fantastic work taking place across Scotland to put environmental sustainability and our rare and native breeds at the heart of food and farming. I thank the judging panel and the awards sponsors for their expertise and support in helping us to celebrate these fantastic people, businesses and organisations.” 

The winners of the categories were chosen by two expert judging panels, one panel for the food categories which was chaired by RBST Scotland Chair Steve McMinn; and the second for the farming categories which was chaired by RBST Chairman John Atkinson. With thanks to the expert judging panellists: creator of The Scottish Food Guide Wendy Barrie; Scotland Food and Drink’s Head of Regional Food Fiona Richmond; Head of Food & Enterprise at SAC Consulting Ceri Ritchie; Head of Agricultural Holdings and the Women in Agriculture taskforce at Scottish Government Fiona Leslie; The Scottish Smallholder Festival’s Rosemary Champion; and Galbraith Group’s Martin Ritchie. 

Quotes from some of the award winners (the full list of winners can be found below): 

Neil Forbes, Chef Director of Café St Honore in Edinburgh, winner of Sustainable Chef of the Year, said: “As a supporter of rare breeds for many years, I’m honoured, and so proud, to be awarded the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s Chef Of The Year. By going direct to farms to buy my beef, pork, chicken, mutton and lamb I feel I’m buying the best quality I can. I’m also aware of the importance of the promotion of rare breeds on my menus. Not just so people can enjoy the taste, but to encourage them to seek it out themselves at their local butchers or farm shop. We all need to support these endangered species, and eating them is a great place to start. As a chef, I see it as my duty to pass on this knowledge to the next generation of chefs. But perhaps the main reason I love rare breeds is because of their flavour. There’s something truly unique about the taste of every particular breed. I adore that.” 

Alison Tuke of Hardiesmill, Scottish Borders, winner of Sustainable Farm of the Year, said: “We went to Native Aberdeen Angus to help our pure-bred Angus Herd to be more sustainable, as we have been raising cattle on grass since 2003, and the adding of pure-native genetics has given us better growth and lower water consumption – key factors for our farm. It has helped construct the virtuous circle of quality, sustainability, profitablility, welfare and taste that is helping us in our drive to produce some of the best beef in the world.” 

John Bennett of Brackenbrae, Perthshire, winner of Rare Breeds Survival Trust Champion of the Year, said: “I am very happy to have been nominated for and to receive the award from RBST Scotland. I welcome the publicity that it will bring to The Cleveland Bay Horse Society and the breed. I think it important that the qualities of rare breeds such as the Cleveland Bay are explained to a wider public before they are lost forever.” 

The Winners of the RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards: 

Sustainable Farm of the Year (sponsored by Galbraith Group) – Hardiesmill: Hardiesmill is a family farm in the Scottish Borders raising beef cattle sustainably from its herd of Pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle which are born, reared and butchered on the farm. The judges said that Hardiesmill is not only sustainable, focused on the environment and their pasture system, but has also been brave enough to follow their route knowing it would lead to a penalty for longer leys. The judging panel agreed that the Hardiesmill approach should be at the heart of Scottish agriculture today and into the future. 

Sustainable Small Farm of the Year (sponsored by The Scottish Smallholder Festival) – West Mossside Organic Farm: West Mossside Organic Farm in The Trossachs farms organically, following wildlife and habitat conservation principles on its land which includes part of the raised bog of the Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve. The judges commended the farm for its combination of traditional farming with valuable diversification, and its owners’ commitments to biodiversity, keeping crafts alive and breeding Shetland Cattle. 

Sustainable Food Producer of the Year (sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink) – Joint winners Jane Cooper and Richard Brand & Son, East Fortune Farm: 

  • Jane Cooper and the Orkney Boreray Community: Jane Cooper is working to secure the sustainable future of Orkney Boreray sheep by making their mutton a niche commercial product and bringing together a community of like-minded Orkney farmers and crofters. The judges described Jane as a great champion for rare breeds, delivering a strong message of provenance, food heritage and agroecology, who has inspired a community which has created their supply chain, fuelling and growing demand. 
  • Richard Brand & Son, East Fortune Farm: Fourth generation farmers at East Fortune Farm, East Lothian, which includes a farm shop stocking much of the farm’s 
  • own produce including native breed pork and lamb. The judges said that this inspirational family conveys great sustainability messages, supporting rarer breeds and working collaboratively with other local producers. They commended the farm as a working farm with multiple diversifications which never forgets the prime pedigree produce from their rare breeds. 

Sustainable Butcher or Wholesaler of the Year – joint winners Macbeth Butchers and Macduff 1890 

  • Macbeth Butchers: A family run business on Tolbooth Street in Forres, Moray, providing high quality products throughout the UK, including beef provided from their own farm where they rear traditional Scottish native breeds. Judges commented that by collaborating with smallholders and farmers, Macbeths offers a local lifeline service as well as valuing traditional and rare breeds and butchering them for their high street shop, online and for hospitality. 
  • Macduff 1890: This meat wholesaler is passionate about supporting the economic, social and environment benefits of our native breeds. Based at Wishaw, Macduff 1890 sources from a range of animals on the RBST Watchlist from farms across Scotland. The judges commended the approach to embracing numerous rare breeds with emphasis on their sourcing, butchery, and delivery to chefs and consumers worldwide. 

Market of the year – Kelso Farmers Market: Kelso Farmers Market has been running for over 20 years and is a non-profit organisation, held monthly it serves an outstanding range of local producers from the Borders. Judges commented on the community initiative’s clear message and strong ideals, and commended the support it gives to the local community through charity donations. 

Sustainable Produce Retail Outlet of the Year (sponsored by SAC Consulting) – Thyme Delicatessen and Farm Shop at Errichel: Errichel is a farm to fork business based on a family farm in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, which promotes native, heritage produce. The judges commended the range and depth of rare breed produce at Errichel’s Thyme Delicatessen and Farm Shop, and the education about sustainable food and farming that it provides for consumers with cheese & charcuterie tastings and farm tours that showcase the farm’s multiple rare breeds. 

Sustainable Chef of the Year (sponsored by Scottish Food Guide) – Neil Forbes, Café St Honore: Neil is Chef Director at Cafe St Honore in Edinburgh, which serves daily-changing menus using the best local, seasonal and sustainable British ingredients. Judges commended Neil for his passion for rare breeds, their stories and traditions which is evidenced in all restaurant’s activities, from menus to marketing. The judges particularly appreciated Neil’s whole animal approach and zero waste. 

Sustainable Farming Influencer of the Year (sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers) – Nikki Yoxall: A farmer in Aberdeenshire, Nikki communicates widely about how careful management can help feed the soil biology, playing a key role in creating healthy ecosystems. Judges commented that Nikki continues to be one of the most influential people in Scotland in terms of sustainable and regenerative farming.” 

Native Breed Society of the Year – The Eriskay Pony Society: The Eriskay Pony Society is committed to protecting and promoting Scotland’s Ancient Hebridean Ponies, with an enthusiastic and pro-active council. Judges commended the society’s dedication to the breed and the positive impacts of its work for the future of Eriskay ponies. 

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Champion of the Year (sponsored by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust) – John Bennett, Brackenbrae (Perthshire): The judges commended John 

for his fantastic work as an ambassador for RBST, his exceptional horsemanship and expertise in breeding the very best Cleveland Bays. The judges praised John for the real difference he continues to make to the quality of the Cleveland Bay breed. 

RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards 2023 open for entries

Posted on by

Press release: 30th March 2023

RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards 2023 Now Open For Entries

Scotland’s leaders in sustainable food and farming can now enter to win a prestigious Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Award, as the awards programme returns following its successful launch last year.

The 10 awards categories of the RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards 2023 are now open for entries and nominations, to celebrate people and businesses throughout Scotland’s farming and food industry who have placed environmental sustainability at the heart of what they do. Entries will close on 19th May 2023. RBST is the national charity working to support the survival of the UK’s rare native livestock and equine breeds, and RBST Scotland represents and supports RBST members throughout Scotland.

The winners of the 10 categories will receive their awards at a ceremony during the Royal Highland Show on Thursday 22nd June 2023. The winners of each category will be chosen from the entrants by two expert food and farming judging panels led by RBST Chairman, native breed farmer John Atkinson, and Chair of RBST Scotland Steve McMinn.

RBST Vice President Scotland Martin Beard, who farms with native breeds in Angus, said: “We are delighted to bring back the RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards in 2023. This year marks 50 years since RBST’s foundation and it is a great occasion to celebrate the businesses and people leading the resurgence of sustainable food and farming in Scotland. The standard of entries was extremely high for our inaugural awards last year and I am really looking forward to sharing again the achievements and dedication of the farmers, butchers, chefs and retailers who each play an essential part in sustainable food and farming with our versatile and unique native livestock breeds.”

The winners of the 2023 awards will follow in the footsteps of the winners of last year’s inaugural awards including Alice Lennox of Doonies Farm (Rare Breeds Survival Trust Champion of the Year 2022); Ronnie Eunson of Uradale Farm, Shetland (Sustainable Farm of the Year 2022); Jane Cooper of the Orkney Boreray Community (Sustainable Food Producer of the Year 2022); and Jock Gibson of Macbeth Butchers (Sustainable Produce Retail Outlet of the Year 2022).

The 10 categories now open for entries for the RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards 2023 are:

  • Sustainable Farm of the Year (sponsored by Galbraith Group)
  • Sustainable Small Farm of the Year (sponsored by The Scottish Smallholder Festival)
  • Sustainable Food Producer of the Year (sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink)
  • Sustainable Butcher or Wholesaler of the Year
  • Sustainable Chef of the Year (sponsored by Scottish Food Guide)
  • Sustainable Produce Retail Outlet of the Year (sponsored by SAC Consulting)
  • Sustainable Market of the Year *new category for 2023*
  • Native Breed Society of the Year
  • Sustainable Farming Influencer of the Year (sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers) *new category for 2023*
  • Rare Breeds Survival Trust Champion of the Year (sponsored by Rare Breeds Survival Trust)

Entries are free and paperless, the initial online entry form can be downloaded at www.rbstscotland.org and must be submitted to entry@rbstscotlandawards.com by 19th May 2023 . Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a video submission for the final round of judging. Nominations can either be submitted by third parties or by the nominees themselves. For full details on each of the categories, the application process and the judging panel visit www.rbstscotland.org.

To find out more and complete the online entry form, visit www.rbstscotland.org

  • Ends –

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information, images or RBST interview requests please contact Isobel Davidson, isobel@isobeldavidson.co.uk or 07725 470917

NOTES TO EDITORS

RBST

  • Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is the sole charity dedicated to promoting and preserving the UKs rare and native breeds of farm livestock. Started in 1973, RBST monitors numbers of animals, and threats of inbreeding and geographical concentration. It promotes the breeding and registration of rare and native breeds. Through its 4,500 members, staff and support groups it provides a network of knowledge to support and encourage breeders to reduce these threats. See the website www.rbst.org.uk.
  • The latest RBST Watchlist was published in April 2021, it can be found at www.rbst.org.uk

Conference Success

Posted on by

Press release: 24th March 2023

Conference Report: Native Breeds for Future of Scottish Food and Environment

Native livestock breeds will be key over the coming decades to commercially viable agriculture systems that support both food production and environmental sustainability, speakers agreed at the RBST (Rare Breeds Survival Trust) Scotland sustainable farming conference yesterday (23 March 2023).

More than 120 farmers, smallholders and food producers gathered yesterday at Bowhouse in Fife for the ‘Farm to Fork – a new, sustainable perspective’ conference to explore sustainable solutions to the challenges Scottish agriculture is facing. The conference was hosted by RBST Scotland in partnership with Balcaskie Estate, and sponsored by Galbraith Group, SAC Consulting and Benson Accountants.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, delivered the keynote speech. She said: “The Scottish Government wholly supports genetic diversity – most notably in building resilience to climate change. Future livestock may well benefit from rare breed genetics, in our goal to achieving greater productivity, without increasing greenhouse gases. The RBST is working hard to support rare breed numbers to be preserved, maintained, and increased. While great progress has already been made, due to a range of challenges, there are still too many breeds on the watchlist.

“As well as being highlights of our past, to look back on with pride, these breeds, alongside the land upon which they live, must also remain a clear part of our future, as we look ahead to a net-zero nation. We look forward to engaging with the RBST and industry partners as we work together to save some of the most cherished and fundamental parts of our heritage – sustaining our agricultural assets, and protecting our rare breeds.”

RBST Vice President Scotland Martin Beard said: “The RBST Scotland Farm to Fork conference has clearly demonstrated that we do not have to choose between a viable agricultural industry and supporting the natural environment. Bred over centuries for Scotland’s landscapes and conditions, our hardy and low input native breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry offer commercially viable food production that also supports many of our most urgent environmental challenges such as restoring soil health and biodiversity. The conference gave farmers, smallholders and food producers an important forum for valuable discussions about the path to a sustainable future and the experiences of farming with native breeds that we heard about at the conference, and the depth of debate and discussion among speakers and delegates, is really encouraging for the future.

“We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s assurances in her keynote speech that the Scottish Government fully recognises how important the genetic diversity of our native breeds is to our shared vision for sustainable local food supply chains and is looking at inclusion of support for animal genetic resources in the Agriculture Bill. We look forward to working with Ministers to ensure the discussions of today translate into tangible and significant support for thriving native breeds.”

Speakers and delegates discussed topics including soil health, restoring biodiversity, a way forward on carbon, improving the livestock food chain and marketing farm produce. The discussions concluded that the nature of farming is changing, with native breeds able play a major role in a more sustainable future for food production and the environment, but that developing skills and close collaboration between industry and Government will be essential.

The conference was chaired by Claire Saunders, RBST Trustee and Chair of RBST’s Conservation & Research Committee. Other speakers included Ceri Ritchie (SAC Consulting), David McKay (Soil Association), Sascha Grierson (Hugh Grierson Organic), John Armour (Scottish Government), Prof Tim Morris (RBST), Doug Christie (Durie Farm), Rosemary Champion (The Accidental Smallholder), Nikki Yoxall (Grampian Graziers), Roger Baird (Scottish Organic Producers Association) and Adam Forrest (Scotland Food & Drink), among others.

During the conference, RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price announced the return of the RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards for 2023, following the success of the inaugural RBST Scotland awards in 2022. More information about the awards in 2023, and how to enter, to follow soon.

  • Ends –

MEDIA CONTACT

 

For more information, interviews or images: Isobel Davidson, isobel@isobeldavidson.co.uk or 07725 470917

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

 

  1. Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is the sole charity dedicated to promoting and preserving all the UKs rare and native breeds of farm livestock. Started in 1973, RBST monitors numbers of animals, and threats of inbreeding and geographical concentration. It promotes the breeding and registration of rare and native breeds. Through its 4,500 members, staff and support groups it provides a network of knowledge to support and encourage breeders to reduce these threats. See the website www.rbst.org.uk.

 

  1. Native breeds provide a major contribution to our rural economy, both economic and culturally. There are around 30,000 herds and flocks of native breeds in the UK. They contribute over £700 million to UK local economies.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Islands to give keynote speech at conference

Posted on by

Press release: 28th February 2023

Cabinet Secretary Announced as Keynote Speaker for RBST Scotland Sustainable Farming Conference

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, will discuss how future policy will help put sustainability at the heart of Scottish farming in a keynote speech at RBST (Rare Breeds Survival Trust) Scotland’s sustainable farming conference.

Taking place on 23 March 2023 at Bowhouse in Fife, RBST Scotland’s ‘Farm to Fork – a new, sustainable perspective’ conference will explore sustainable solutions to the challenges Scottish agriculture is facing. Expert speakers and delegates will examine key challenges and opportunities in the transition to a future for Scottish farming where environmental sustainability goes hand in hand with food production.

The conference will be hosted by RBST in partnership with Balcaskie Estate, and sponsored by Galbraith Group, SAC Consulting and Benson Accountants. As well as the Cabinet Secretary, the programme will also feature Christopher Price (RBST), Ceri Ritchie (SAC Consulting), David McKay (Soil Association), Prof Tim Morris (RBST), Doug Christie (Durie Farm), Johnnie Balfour (Pasture Fed Livestock Association), Nikki Yoxall (Grampian Grazers), Roger Baird (Scottish Organic Producers Association) and Adam Forrest (Scotland Food & Drink) among others. See the programme for the day at rbstscotland.org/rbst-scotland-spring-conference.

Martin Beard, RBST Vice President Scotland, said: “I am delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands will be speaking at RBST Scotland’s Farm to Fork conference, as we mark in 2023 the 50thanniversary of RBST’s formation. Scottish agriculture faces major challenges over the coming decades, and Government and farmers exploring priorities and perspectives together is crucial to setting the right course towards sustainable farming.

“There is no choice to be made between food production and environmental sustainability, the two depend on each another. This conference will help identify sustainable solutions for challenges such as soil health, carbon and future-proofing Scottish farming, and the significant contributions that our native livestock breeds can make. This is a definitive event for anyone with an interest in a sustainable and profitable future for agriculture in Scotland. Tickets are now open, book your place so that you don’t miss out.”

The event will be chaired by Claire Saunders, RBST Trustee and Chair of RBST’s Conservation & Research Committee. The conference sessions will cover six main themes:

  • Future proofing farming: looking to 2040
  • Soil: rebuilding fertility
  • Biodiversity: reclaiming the balance
  • Carbon: the way forward
  • The livestock food chain: room for improvement
  • Farmers as marketers: adding value

The conference will run from 9am to 5pm on 23 March, followed by a drinks reception until 6pm. Tickets are £30 + VAT and can be booked at https://rbstscotland.org/conference-tickets.

For more information visit rbstscotland.org/rbst-scotland-spring-conference.

  • Ends –

MEDIA CONTACT

 

For more information, interviews or images: Isobel Davidson, isobel@isobeldavidson.co.uk or 07725 470917

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

 

  1. Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is the sole charity dedicated to promoting and preserving all the UKs rare and native breeds of farm livestock. Started in 1973, RBST monitors numbers of animals, and threats of inbreeding and geographical concentration. It promotes the breeding and registration of rare and native breeds. Through its 4,500 members, staff and support groups it provides a network of knowledge to support and encourage breeders to reduce these threats. See the website www.rbst.org.uk.

 

  1. Native breeds provide a major contribution to our rural economy, both economic and culturally. There are around 30,000 herds and flocks of native breeds in the UK. They contribute over £700 million to UK local economies.

Panel Chair – Roger Baird

Posted on by

Roger has over 40 years’ experience trading conventional/organic grains and pulses, with the majority of his previous focus supplying the Scottish Whisky industry. He now mainstreams on organics and is heavily involved in two start-up companies. These collectively will separate multiple crops, de-corticate grains and pulses, then further processing by air fractionation, providing protein and starch concentrates. At every stage the aim is to have minimal Carbon Footprint, with Carbon Negative products as an outcome. He was recently appointed chair of SOPA.

Roger will be chairing the panel “Carbon – the whole story” at the conference.

Panel Chair – Johnnie Balfour

Posted on by

Johnnie Balfour is Chair of Pasture For Life and Managing Partner of
Balbirnie Home Farms in Fife. At Balbirnie, there is a commercial herd of
suckler beef cattle and they have recently purchased 3 traditional angus
bulls in order to decrease frame size and increase ruminant capacity of the
herd. Johnnie champions mob grazing and holistic management as tools for
farmers to reduce inputs and increase profitability.

Johnnie will be chairing the panel

“Why Biodiversity matters to the way we farm”

Panel Chair – Adam Forrest

Posted on by

As Organics Development Manager at Scotland Food & Drink, Adam’s role has an initial focus on assessing the opportunities and challenges facing the Scottish organic sector and putting forward plans to develop it. Prior to this he managed a small organic community farm and market garden near Edinburgh, with a veg bag scheme, layer enterprise and rural skills programme for young people. Adam has worked in commercial roles in food and drink across independent retailers, food service and multiples. Having studied Environmental Resource Management at SRUC, he has a keen interest in the interplay between our relationship with food and our environment.

Adam will be chairing the panel session on the “Livestock Food Chain”

Panel Chair – Ceri Ritchie

Posted on by

Ceri is Head of Food and Enterprise at SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), and undertakes project work for a variety of clients across Scotland. With 37 years’ management and marketing experience in the UK food & drink supply chain Ceri has recently focussed on local food & drink, food tourism, rural enterprise and entrepreneurship.

With an understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and key industry challenges such as climate change and sustainability, Ceri provides strategic advice to a range of businesses and organisations. As an established and well-respected project manager Ceri also project manages the Scottish Government’s Veterinary Services Programme and managed Connect Local, the Scottish Government’s Local Food & Drink Marketing Advisory Service (2016 to 2020).

Prior to joining SAC Consulting Ceri worked in the UK grocery multiple sector as a Category Manager (and prior to that a Senior Buyer, Buyer and Product Manager) for the Cooperative Wholesale Society. These roles provide considerable insight and background knowledge that Ceri brings to her current role.

Ceri will be chairing the panel “Why Farmers need to be Marketers”