Lantra outlines benefits of a low carbon economy to land managers, farmers and crofters

Opportunities for land managers, farmers, foresters and crofters to discover ways of making savings, reduce costs, and take up business opportunities were highlighted at an event held at Lantra’s stand during the Royal Highland Show on 24 June.

Lantra’s Chair, Dr Gordon McGlone OBE and National Director for Scotland, Willie Fergusson welcomed the Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP to the Lantra stand, where she had the opportunity to meet with land managers, farmers and foresters who were eager to discuss how to help mitigate climate change which, as well as meeting government targets, would also help improve their businesses. Members and associates of the Farm Business Advisers Accreditation Scheme (FBAASS) who deliver Whole Farm Reviews were also present. During the course of the event, Willie Fergusson also outlined Lantra’s role in working with the sector to help to assess their skills needs to achieve a low carbon economy, a topic that is now included in the new work programme that Lantra undertakes for the Scottish Government Rural Directorate. Dr Gordon McGlone, who is also Chief Executive of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, a charity dedicated to bio-diversity, conservation and promoting an understanding of the environment said: “Low carbon industries are essential for a healthy future in terms of economic and environmental sustainability. The land-based industries Lantra represents are well placed in the way they can manage resources, both now and in the future.” Speaking at the event, Rebecca Audsley, Climate Change Manager for SAC said: “This event during the Royal Highland Show proved to be an ideal opportunity to share knowledge around climate change and what this could mean for farmers and crofters. It also provided farmers and crofters with the opportunity to identify changes in practice which could potentially benefit both their businesses and climate change.” Dr McGlone’s visit to the 2010 Royal Highland Show was his last as Lantra’s Chair, after eight successful years at the helm he now prepares to hand over the reigns of the Sector Skills Council. For more information about Lantra visit www.lantra.co.uk, call 01738 553311 or email lantra.scotland@lantra.co.uk. ENDS ISSUED BY: For further information please contact the Lantra Press Office, Tel: 01738 553311 Email Scotland.media@lantra.co.uk CREDIT FOR PHOTO: Lantra07a.jpg – (l-r) John Gillian, Rebecca Audsley, Willie Fergusson and Ron Vass EDITOR’S NOTES: • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, is licensed by the UK Government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscape, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk

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