Farmers in the Highlands to reap the economic and environmental benefits of Carbon Footprinting

27th January 2008

On Wednesday 6 February, farmers in the Highlands will have the opportunity to learn more about carbon footprinting and how they can use it to their advantage by realising areas where carbon emissions can be cut, and as a result savings can be made.

The lunchtime seminar is being hosted by North Highland Products and will include speakers from SAOS and the Carbon Trust Scotland.

During the seminar, the process of greenhouse gas production on farms will be investigated and there will also be the opportunity for farmers to calculate their own carbon footprint using a web based calculator. In addition, a wide ranging series of environmental issues will be highlighted; when addressed these will result in cost savings through improved business performance and a more environmentally sustainable business.

Hamish Walls, of SAOS, commented: "We know that farmers are very keen to understand how they can reduce carbon emissions on the farm, without adversely affecting finances. We hope that this seminar will start paving the way for farmers to make effective changes to reduce their carbon footprint."

This message was reinforced by Danny Miller, a local Caithness farmer and Chairman of North Highland Products. "For some time now, as a company, we have been concerned to reduce both the farmer's 'carbon footprint ' and that of our other Mey Selections food producers, and this collaboration with SAOS is a positive practical step towards achieving our aim."

John Stocks, Manager, Carbon Trust Scotland, added: "We are delighted to be working so closely with SAOS and the farmers' co-operative to bring this information directly to farmers to help them reduce carbon emissions and deliver cost savings."

The seminar continues work undertaken by SAOS as part of a Carbon Trust Networks project, which has also included carrying out a benchmark survey in conjunction with North Highland Products. The survey established that farmers can cut their carbon footprint which will result in money saved. The key comes in ascertaining the main sources of carbon emissions1, which will lead to greater awareness of where changes can be identified to reduce overall emissions.

The seminar is being held at the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, from 11.30pm to 2pm; lunch will be provided. Attendees will also receive a delegates' pack including all of the key items of information regarding carbon management at the end of the seminar. For further information or to register attendance, please call North Highland Products on 0845 8380488.

Notes
The Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is a private company set up by government in response to the threat of climate change, to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy. The Carbon Trust works with UK business and the public sector to create practical business-focused solutions through its external work in five complementary areas: insights, solutions, innovations, enterprises and investments. Together these help to explain, deliver, develop, create and finance low carbon enterprise.

The Carbon Trust is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and Invest Northern Ireland.

For more information on the Carbon Trust visit www.carbontrust.co.uk

North Highland Products
North Highland Products Limited is the company formed by Caithness farmers to select and source premium quality food and drink products from the most northerly area of the British Isles. All Mey Selections products originate from within a 100 miles radius of the Castle of Mey, the most northerly castle on the Scottish mainland

The formation of North Highland Products and the creation of the Mey Selections brand are direct results of the North Highlands Initiative inspired by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, which was launched in August 2005 to boost the economy of the region

North Highland Products is the fastest growing food and drink Company in Scotland and last month scooped the prestigious Excellence Award at this year's Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards ceremony

The Mey Selections product range includes prize-winning beef, lamb, mutton and cheese, as well as oatcakes, honey and oat biscuits, honey, and preserves

For more information visit www.mey-selections.com

SAOS
SAOS (The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society) is the association of Scotland's farmers' co-ops and farmer-owned businesses, and provides development advice and consultancy services to its 80 members, to groups of farmers interested in co-operating, and to companies in Scotland's food and drink marketing chains. The turnover of SAOS' member businesses in 2006 was £1.4 billion. SAOS' work is supported by the Scottish Government. The Chairman is Gareth Baird, who farms near Kelso.

For more information on SAOS visit www.saos.co.uk