Video competition to find Scotland’s climate friendly farming champion
9th January 2021
Winner of state-of-the-art drone to be announced at AGM.
NFU Scotland has begun the search for Scotland’s climate friendly farming champion as of January 2021.
Hosted by NFU Scotland’s Next Generation group and supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, the competition will allow the next generation of Scotland’s farmers and crofters to outline the steps they are taking to reduce emissions and highlight the wider environmental benefits that can be delivered as a result.
Those entering NFU Scotland’s competition will have a chance to win a state-of-the-art drone with a tailored un-manned ariel vehicle (UAV) upload and satellite imagery package from SoilEssentials.
Entrants simply record a three-minute video, sharing their views on how Scottish agriculture can respond to climate change challenges, highlighting the steps they have taken on-farm to tackle climate change. We would also love to hear about the wider environmental benefits that they have seen from taking these steps.
The closing date for the competition is Monday 1st February 2021, with the winner announced at NFU Scotland’s virtual AGM on Thursday 11th February 2021.
Our panel of judges includes Mairi Gougeon MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment; Claire Taylor, political affairs editor at the Scottish Farmer and NFU Scotland’s Next Generation Chair Peter Moss. Orkney farmer Pete Moss said: “We know that Scotland’s farmers, crofters, and growers have already taken steps to tackle climate change. However, we also know that in the future, we are going to need to do more to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. That is why we want to hear from those who are already taking steps to reduce their emissions.
“This video competition, in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, will highlight the incredible work already being done by Scotland’s Next Generation of farmers to reduce their emissions and protect the natural environment.”
Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon added: “This joint initiative will highlight the importance of Scottish farming’s response to climate change and also highlight the positive work already being done by the sector.
“We saw through the work of the Young Farming Climate Champions the importance of the enthusiasm and innovation that young farmers and crofters bring to the sector.
“Everyone plays their part in the aim to meet our world leading climate change targets and it is important that we all work together to meet these targets.”
Roddy McLean, Director of Agriculture at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We’re proud to support NFU Scotland in its search for Scotland’s climate friendly farming champion, a focus that aligns with our purpose of helping people, families and businesses to thrive and our commitment as a leading bank helping to address the climate challenge. We look forward to seeing how the next generation of Scotland’s farmers are safeguarding their future, by reducing the impact of their operations on the climate.”
Alison Easson of SoilEssentials said: “As precision farming specialists, SoilEssentials understand the importance of monitoring and managing land and crops. We use drone and satellite imagery, which allows our customers to benefit from this valuable data resource and enables them to make better, more informed decisions. The technology is available to access, so we are delighted to be in a position to give someone that opportunity to gain from it.”
The video guidelines for entrants are as follows :
- Film in landscape
- Limit the video to 3 minutes maximum
- You can talk directly to camera, create a voiceover for pictures, or use animation and infographics
- Please send a WeTransfer link (link) in an email, detailing your name and contact details, to ruth.taylor@nfus.org.uk
Questions for entrants to consider are as follows :
- Why do you think tackling the climate and biodiversity crises is important for Scottish agriculture?
- What steps have you taken on your farm to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore/promote biodiversity?
- What steps would you like to take in the future, and how would you like to be supported to do this (from government, training schemes, research projects, investment)?
