The Moredun Foundation is set to host a pivotal panel discussion on “The Role of Livestock Production in Future Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities from Different Sectors”. Taking place on Friday, 29th November, at the Pentland Science Park in Penicuik, the event brings together over a hundred invited representatives from the agricultural and food and drink sectors to explore the future of food security amidst evolving global challenges.
The event aims to highlight the critical role that livestock plays in the production of sustainable, affordable, healthy and high-quality food from the farm and throughout the food chain. Experts will share insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the agricultural sector, offering a diverse range of perspectives from policy, science, and practical farming.
The event is set to conclude with a special visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, further underscoring the importance of the dialogue around food security.
The discussion, moderated by seasoned broadcaster Simon Cousins, will follow a dynamic “Question Time” format, including opening statements from the panellists and audience Q&A.
The panel will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. David Thomson, CEO of the Food and Drink Federation Scotland, will provide a high-level, sector-wide perspective on how food production is evolving to meet sustainability targets. Geoff Ogle, CEO of Food Standards Scotland, will explore the links between food safety, sustainability, and security, highlighting how technological advancements such as Whole Genome Sequencing can enhance food safety protocols.
Adding a practical farming perspective, Nigel Miller, a livestock farmer and former veterinarian, will address the challenges faced by livestock producers, particularly in balancing food production with environmental standards. He will delve into the future landscape of food security, envisioning what sustainable livestock farming might look like by 2045. Rounding out the panel, Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland, will provide a global context, discussing the scientific advancements needed to address the growing food security challenges.
Following these opening statements, the panel discussion will dive deeper into these topics guided by questions from the audience of experts. A further update will be issued after the event.
For further information, please contact Andrew Kelloe at andrew.kelloe@moredun.ac.uk or call 0131 445 5111