Food and drink producers in the Highlands and Islands are invited to come along to the Inverness Caledonian Thistle stadium on Tuesday 25 September to learn more about a topic that is of increasing importance for the area.

With the number of farmers changing their crops to those suitable for biofuels, there is increasing pressure on farmers and other food producers because of rising feed prices. The impact of this on the Highlands and Islands could be huge and the evening will look at sustainability in this context.

There will be a range of speakers, talking about different aspects of this. We will hear from Bob Yuill of SAOS Ltd, who are working with a biofuel plant near Rosyth. SAOS Ltd are involved in the supply chain for the plant. Maf Smith, Scottish Director of Sustainable Development Commission will be giving a wider perspective on sustainability and a representative from Scottish Natural Heritage will be dealing with the implications for the environment of this change.

We’ll also hear about a different aspect of sustainability from Archie Prentice of Highlands and Islands Enterprise who will be addressing the topic of carbon footprinting and how it is becoming increasingly important for the food and drink sector. Simon Barry of Highland Grain will tell us what practical actions they have taken to increase their sustainability.

Forum co-ordinator Shona MacLennan said: “The meeting on September 25th will take place in the stadium’s Kingsmills suite, although there will be an opportunity for people unable to come along to join the event by video-conference. It would be helpful if people can book a place in advance, and particularly if they want a video-link.”

Also for the start of the new session, the Forum has developed the quality of its video-conference links. These links will be available in Lerwick, Kirkwall, Fort William and Thurso.

Shona can be contacted at 01599 534999 or by email at shona@solas-biz.co.uk