The SAC Carbon Management Centre supports research, learning and consultancy activities that contribute to a reduction of carbon emissions from agriculture and food production. Activities within the centre are designed to provide innovative new solutions and advice on improving efficiency and reducing emissions from farming systems and contributes to delivering Scotland’s Net Zero emissions targets.

Work within the Centre builds upon a well established record of activities undertaken by SRUC that promote Low Carbon Farming.  These include:

• Innovative and internationally-important research in crop and livestock systems
• Provision of advice to government and policy makers on options for lowering greenhouse gas emissions from farming systems
• Development of a carbon calculator (AgreCalc), tailored for use in Scottish environments and backed by a comprehensive package of advisory activity
• College courses at a range of levels that explain the links between farming and climate change, and prepare students to face important future challenges
• Engagement with the farming community in the development of a network of climate change focus farms that form an important part of SAC’s Farming for a Better Climate initiative

Research undertaken by SRUC staff has shown that farming can make an important contribution to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, whilst at the same time maintaining quality and productivity within the sector. This will only be achieved by continuous change and modernisation that will lead ultimately to improved efficiency and improving environmental quality.