A new evaluation estimates that a Scottish Government-funded
research programme has contributed £680 million to Scotland’s
economy by helping to create jobs and further education
qualifications, save carbon emissions and reduce the impacts of
animal diseases.
The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA)
Strategic Research Programme has invested over £50 million a year
into scientific projects that focus on key issues in both the
agricultural and environment sectors. Past projects include:
- Covid monitoring in Scottish wastewater: This analysis
provided the evidence needed to begin monitoring sewage to gauge
the amount of viral Covid matter, allowing the spread of Covid in
the community to be monitored and reported.
- Coastal Flooding and Erosion: This research programme created
a pan-government partnership that has transformed Scotland’s
public sector’s understanding of coastal change and the risks
from coastal flooding and erosion under a changing climate.
- The reintroduction of hemp as an environmental and healthy
crop: The research conducted on hemp has demonstrated that this
valuable environmental crop can not only contribute to meeting
climate and biodiversity targets, but can also deliver
high-quality alternative protein and other health benefits.
The evaluation of past research will improve the delivery of new
research projects for 2022-2027.
Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary said:
"The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Strategic
Research Programme has funded world-class research at Scotland's
SEFARI Research Institutes that addresses nationally relevant
goals around protecting and sustaining Scotland's environment.
“During the pandemic, the monitoring of Covid-19 in Scottish
wastewater was a crucial part of the government’s emergency
response – helping us to measure the spread and mutation of the
virus and keep people safe.
“Research has addressed many other challenges including animal
and plant health, regenerative farming, water quality, peatland
restoration and land reform. Resulting science has helped to
shape government policy and support innovation by Scottish
producers and land managers.
“As Scotland's climate changes, this research has supported
business resilience and future-ready communities across the
nation."
Professor Mathew Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser for
Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture said:
“Scotland continues to face the twin challenges of the climate
and cost of living crises. In order to tackle them, we must
continue to innovate and seek solutions that will improve our
economic resilience and further protect our natural environment.
“The ENRA Strategic Research programme is a crucial asset that
has funded scientific study to support our efforts to mitigate
the effects of climate change whilst helping to futureproof our
rural economy.
“I am delighted that the programme continues to provide real
value to Scotland’s people and our environment, and I look
forward to seeing the impact that future research will have.”
Background
2016-2022 Rural Affairs, Food
and Environment Research Programme Evaluation Main Report
2016-2022 Rural Affairs, Food
and Environment Research Programme Evaluation - Highlights
Report
