Surf and Turf

Policy makers across the globe are increasingly concerned about food security, particularly in relation to protein, and this is no different in Scotland. A commitment towards more sustainable forms of food and energy production are also rising up the political agenda. UK production of protein crops like pulses (e.g. beans, lentils, peas) for animal feed and especially human food can be problematic, especially in less-favourable climates like we have in the north-east. In this talk, we'll explore sustainable approaches to farming and food security, shifts towards plant-based diets, and how we can make food production more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Atlantic salmon, once so numerous that servants had to beg their masters not to be fed it more than twice a week, are now an Endangered Species in Great Britain. After having regularly made epic marine migrations to reach feeding grounds in the North Atlantic for thousands of years, fewer and fewer fish are surviving the journey and returning to our rivers. In these challenging times our aim is to ensure the adolescent salmon leaving our rivers are in the best condition possible. This is how we are trying to achieve that goal.

Seaweeds are a source of sustainable and healthy food; they are nutrient-rich and do not require land, fertilizers, pesticides or freshwater to grow. Although seaweed farming in Europe is still in its infancy, it could play a central role in sustainable food and production to meet future resource needs. In the last decade, use of seaweed for food has become more popular in Western countries and the demand in European markets is estimated to grow 7-10% per annum driven by increasing environmental concerns (increasing demand for plant-based foods) and health trends (increasing awareness of nutritional benefits).