Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing visits to find out more about Hutton research and innovation

"This research is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of farming, the continued success of our food and drink sector, and to better understand the challenges faced by the agricultural and environmental agenda."

Mr Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, today visited the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen to hear about our world leading scientific research in crops and climate change, as well as its commercial impact in local communities.

Mr Ewing MSP spoke to Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive; Professor Deb Roberts, Director of Science; Professor Derek Stewart, agri-food business leader; and Dr Bill Thomas, barley geneticist.

During his visit the Cabinet Secretary was shown the Institute's soil maps and how they support policy, soil and land management. He also visited the National Soil Archive and discussed research on food provenance and authentication with Hutton scientists.

At the end of the visit, Mr Ewing said: “The Scottish Government recognises the value of long-term investment in research and development, which is why I am delighted to have visited and heard first-hand about the impact of the innovative and collaborative interdisciplinary research undertaken by the James Hutton Institute.

"This research is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of farming, the continued success of our food and drink sector, and to better understand the challenges faced by the agricultural and environmental agenda.”

Professor Colin Campbell commented: "We are very grateful to Cabinet Secretary Ewing for taking the time to visit our Aberdeen site. It was a great opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues as well as the impact and global reach of our research."