Decarbonising Malting Barley - Grain Co-ops' Response

The Scotch Whisky sector created a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2040. A Scotch Whisky Association study showed that 37% of the GHG emissions attributed to malt whisky come from the production of barley on-farm.  SAOS identified the need for a project to help growers transition towards lower carbon production systems. The Decarbonising Scottish Malting Barley - Grain Co-ops' Response project began in 2022.

Who did we work with?

This project features a 'bottom-up' approach that sees arable growers taking responsibility for action through their grain co-ops. Two grain co-ops - East of Scotland Farmers and Highland Grain are taking the lead role on behalf of all Scottish malting barley producers (around 4,000 farmers).

There are eight Focus Farmers from each co-op/region, all progressive arable farmers committed to the project’s ambition. Importantly, they represent a range of different production systems including regenerative agriculture, 'min till', arable farms, mixed farms with livestock, imported organic farmyard manure, chopped straw etc.

What did we do?

Working closely with the Focus Farmers, a range of activities have been carried out including facilitated farmer workshops, annual farm carbon audits, estimating nitrogen use efficiency, benchmarking farm carbon calculators, modelling potential mitigation actions, and practical problem solving with/by the growers involved. 

Why?

Agriculture contributes around a quarter of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant contributor to the climate crisis. Achieving the ambitious targets set by the Scotch Whisky industry, will require farmers to play their part and drastically cut their emissions associated with barley production. The project’s aim it is to raise the awareness and understanding amongst Scottish arable farmers of the GHG emissions associated with producing malting barley.

How did SAOS help?

• SAOS initiatied the project identifying the need and galvanising the support of East of Scotland Farmers and Highland Grain to work together on a joint project. (Co-operation amongst co-ops is one of the 7 priniciples of co-operation).
• SAOS took the lead role to manage the project on behalf of the two grain co-ops.
• SAOS also successfully applied for ScotGov funding through the KTIF scheme. This ensured grant funding of 75% for the last 2-years of the project.
• SAOS pulled together the project team involving a range of wider stakeholders and expertise.

What next?

The project highlights the important role farm co-ops can play, and an example of what is possible, by providing the leadership and resources to help their famer members take action and making things happen. 

The work contributes to the Scottish Government’s vision for agriculture as a leader in sustainable and regenerative farming.