Princess Royal visits Moredun
The Princess Royal meeting guests
The Princess Royal was joined by over 100 guests on 21 October at Pentlands Science Park to hear about Moredun’s involvement in supporting the livestock industry and working in collaboration with partner organisations to help promote the wider benefits of livestock in sustainable food production, promoting biodiversity and minimising impact on the environment.
Set up by farmers for farmers, the Moredun Foundation is one of the largest livestock charities in the UK and governs the work of the world renowned Moredun Research Institute. The mission of the organisation is to improve the health and welfare of livestock through research and education.
The speakers at the event included Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association who was passionate in his support for sheep farming as something of which we we should all be proud; Dr Philip Skuce from Moredun discussed new research showing the importance of high health and welfare in livestock production systems to reduce impact on the environment and also the impact of climate change on disease risk; and Sarah Millar, head of industry development at Quality Meat, Scotland, discussed the nutritional and health benefits from meat and dairy products and the advantages of sustainable grassland and hill farming systems.
During the visit, The Princess Royal met guests – including a group of postgraduate students and early career scientists, along with those representing the farming industry, veterinary surveillance and the Equine Grass Sickness Fund. Before leaving, Her Royal Highness also participated in a tour of Moredun’s laboratories to speak first hand to the scientists about the latest research advances.
The guests also enjoyed taking part in a lively discussion forum on the subject of steering public opinion towards supporting UK livestock farming.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
