Food Strategy for Gloucestershire will connect food, farming and the rural economy
13 Dec 2018
Gloucestershire must have a Food Strategy that grows its economy and improves health with a mix of affordable and niche produce, professionals in the sector have agreed.
The aim of the event, organised by the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Agrifood and Rural Business Group, was to begin work on a roadmap to understand the value of our rural economy and boost the promotion and purchase of our own locally-produced food.
New Rural Policy, Agriculture and Agri-food appointments at RAU
07 Dec 2018
Two new senior academic positions in rural policy and food security have been announced at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) as part of its strategy to provide thought leadership for the sector post-Brexit.
Professor Tom MacMillan has been appointed Elizabeth Creak Chair in Rural Policy and Strategy, joining from the Soil Association where he is currently Director of Innovation. His recent work includes establishing the Innovative Farmers network and advising the RSA Food, Farming & Countryside Commission.
Environment students get planting for National Tree Week
04 Dec 2018
As part of National Tree Week, 24 November – 2 December, students at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) have been out with their spades actively planting trees.
Working in Partnership with Gloucester City Council and the Friends of Barnwood Arboretum, students learnt about the different methods of planting and aftercare to ensure successful tree establishment.
Rewilding conference told of need to stop decline in biodiversity
23 Nov 2018
The UK ‘is going backwards in biodiversity’ and rewilding significant parts of our environment is ultimately needed, a conference heard.
Prof Alastair Driver, of Rewilding Britain, told the event organised by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and Cirencester College: “The simple fact is that we are going backwards in biodiversity. We need something significantly different in addition to traditional nature reserve conservation. That is the underpinning case for rewilding.”
Defra Secretary visits Royal Agricultural University
23 Nov 2018
Michael Gove visited the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) today to learn about its key role in the development of skills for the agri-food and land management sectors and its initiatives to help the industry navigate change.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) toured the University’s Rural Innovation Centre (RIC) at its Harnhill Manor farm, where he heard about the range of practical programmes on offer for both professionals and students, such as courses in calf-rearing and the safe use of medicines on farms.
Reggae Reggae Sauce boss shares business secrets with students
19 Nov 2018
Dragons’ Den star Levi Roots told an audience of student entrepreneurs that the key to business success was ‘willingness to change and adapt’ – as well as having a good lawyer.
The BBC show winner who secured life-changing investment by pitching his Reggae Reggae Sauce, was speaking at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Knepp Castle owner to share insights into rewilding his family estate
15 Nov 2018
Sir Charles ‘Charlie’ Burrell will discuss the rewilding project that transformed his family’s Knepp Castle estate, when he joins experts at a conference dedicated to this new form of conservation.
The 10th Baronet, an alumnus of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) will speak alongside Professor Alastair Driver, Specialist Advisor for Rewilding Britain and DEFRA’s Nick Barter at the event organized by the RAU and Cirencester Sixth Form College.
Farmer-led innovation and post-Brexit policy initiatives discussed at new forum
31 Oct 2018
A forum led by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) to support farmer-led initiatives and fresh thinking on policy issues welcomed representatives from over a dozen organisations.
Attendees included representatives from Natural England, Innovative Farmers (Soil Association), the
Agriculture and food security research at RAU boosted by £2 million donation
25 Oct 2018
PhD research into topics such as growing soybean as a profitable, low-carbon crop will continue to thrive at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) following a donation of £2 million.
The RAU has received this research investment thanks to the John Oldacre Foundation, which supports the agricultural sciences and is a long-term funder of doctoral study at the University.