“Back to the Future” - RBST Scotland's Online Conference 31 March RRBT Scotland is holding a half day online conference “Back to the Future” on the 31st March. The conference, which is free to attend, is sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers, and will bring together a range of speakers to discuss the importance of Rare and Native Breeds on Scotland's food, environment, and culture As well as expert speakers discussing conservation grazing, rare breeds’ genetic advantages and the place of native breeds in our cultural landscape, farmers and smallholders will give insights into their experiences and plans for the future. Panellists will also explore some of the different commercial opportunities with rare breeds, and examine what the future holds for small local abattoirs. The event will also feature the launch of the new RBST Scotland Manifesto which details the suite of actions which RBST is asking Scottish Parliamentary election candidates to include in future Scottish farming policy. Together these actions will help unlock the commercial and environmental potential of native breeds of livestock and equines throughout Scotland. Conference programme: 9am: Welcome from RBST Vice President Scotland Martin Beard 9.15am: Rare Breeds – Real Opportunities. With Linda Tinson, Partner at Ledingham Chalmers 9.45am: Breeds of the Past for Landscapes of the Future. With James and Nikki Yoxall of Grampian Graziers 10.15am: The Genetic Advantage of Native Breeds. With George Peart of Promar International 10.45am: Bred to Be Here – Native Breeds as Part of Our Cultural Landscape. With RBST’s Andrea Parry Jones 11.15am: Why We Should Be Eating Native Breed Produce. With Wendy Barrie, Director of Scottish Food Guide 11.45am: The Importance of Local Abattoirs and the Local Supply Chain. With Flora Corbett of Mull Slaughterhouse & Butchery 12.15pm: The RBST Scotland Manifesto. With RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price 12.45pm: Roundtable questions and answers. With all conference speakers 1.30pm: Ends For further details about the event and to register to attend go to rbst-scotland-conference-2021.heysummit.com