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Don’t Forget Rural Scotland’s Crucial Role, SAC Tells Politicians

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N110
Published: 10 Dec 2010

Sunset behind wind turbine (opens in new window)

As the May 2011 Scottish Parliamentary election approaches, SAC is working to ensure that rural issues are placed high on the agendas of campaigning politicians with the launch of its new publication, Helping a Changing World.

Outlined in the booklet and on a related SAC website are what the organisation believes are the top 25 key issues that affect rural Scotland but which are also highly relevant to all communities throughout the country, and beyond.

Produced by SAC’s Rural Policy Centre, Helping a Changing World has been sent to every MSP and to Scottish MPs and MEPs. Every candidate in the Scottish Parliamentary election will receive a copy when the full candidate list is published.

Helping a Changing World covers five crucial themes – Thriving Communities; Health & Wellbeing; Food Matters; Changing Environment and Support to Agriculture. Issues explored within these themes include the importance of rural-urban links; how rural Scotland can help improve the nation’s health; the far-reaching importance of good animal and plant health; what food security means in Scotland; and how we might balance the competing demands on the nation’s land.

A further section, revealing the findings of SAC’s recent Economic Impact Study of its activities, demonstrates how the organisation, through its research, consultancy and learning activities, contributes £140 million a year to the UK economy and supports numerous elements of the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework.

For example, for every £1 spent on SAC research, Scottish farm output is estimated to increase by £1.35, representing a 35% return on investment. SAC’s research portfolio in animal health, animal genetics and greenhouse gas mitigation delivers annual industry benefits of some £23 million.

Speaking on behalf of the SAC Rural Policy Centre Dr Jane Atterton said: “As the political agendas and party manifestos are drafted for the 2011 Scottish elections we want to draw attention to the key issues that are affecting not only rural communities but those across the entire country. While providing a source for thought and debate, we also show how SAC is using its far-reaching role in Scottish life to rise to challenges and grasp opportunities.

“Our unique role in promoting a vibrant Scotland is backed up by the findings of our recent Economic Impact Study. From the outset we were determined to use recognised and robust assessment methodologies to evaluate the impact of SAC’s activities. This has led to an estimate of the worth of SAC to the Scottish Economy that may be seen as conservative, but one that is based upon transparent and defendable assumptions - therefore avoiding some of the pitfalls of impact assessment.”

Access Helping a Changing World.

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News Release Issued By

Ms Jane Smernicki
Head of Communications
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4331

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