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Agricology PodcastAuthor: Agricology
The Agricology Podcast takes a fresh look at the most exciting topics in sustainable farming, food production and the natural environment, with the help of expert guests from across the country. In 2020, we chatted with some of the movers & shakers in the fields, labs & food supply chains; focusing on sustainable farming practices in 'Agroecology in Focus' & speaking with innovating farmers 'In the Field.' The Agricology Podcast returned in 2024 'In conversation with' an exciting line up of farmers, researchers, advisors & industry figures who set out to explore optimal carrying capacity - the practical, philosophical & pertinent. This was followed in 2025 by a diverse range of voices exploring the complex & often polarising topic of tillage in our series titled 'To Till or Not to Till?". Later that year, 'Agroforestry Through the Elements' offered an exciting way to explore individual topics relating to trees on farms while emphasising the fundamentally interconnected nature of agroforestry systems. Our new series explores sustainable farming and hyper-local food systems on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. We hope you enjoy it! Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Agroecology Around Arran: Beyond the Farm Gate
Episode 5
Thursday, 25 June, 2026
In the final episode of the series, we explore how the island's farmers have diversified their businesses to adapt to changing markets and build resilience for the future. Along the way, we'll discover how these new enterprises are creating benefits that extend far beyond the farm gate, supporting local jobs, producing essential goods and services, creating educational opportunities, and helping people reconnect with the land and the food they eat. Episode guests Alisa Currie Ailsa Currie set up and runs the visitor and education programme at Bellevue Farm, a family-run beef, sheep and arable farm located near Blackwaterfoot. The farm welcomes tourists, families and students to learn about farming, experience local food and build a deeper connection with Arran's landscape and natural environment. Bellevue also hosts a regular farmer's market in partnership with other local food producers. Kenny Bone Kenny Bone is a mixed farmer at Glenkiln Farm who also runs a livery business, indoor riding arena, holiday lets, a hydroelectric energy scheme, and is the co-owner of The Drift Inn in Lamlash - alongside several other enterprises! Kenny is interested in caring for Arran's environment and is involved with many local organisations, including Arran Economic Group, Arran Development Trust and the local Forestry Commission panel as well as hosting the Arran Farmers Show. He was awarded Diversified Farm of the Year and the Champion of Champions award at the Scottish Agriculture Awards in 2024. Colin Mackenzie Colin Mackenzie successfully transitioned his family farm business away from dairy and now runs Mackenzie Logs - supplying seasoned firewood across the island. He also has a small herd of beef breeding cattle and store lambs. Alistair Dobson Alongside his role of Managing Director at Arran Dairies which he runs with his son Matthew, Alistair Dobson is Managing Director of Taste of Arran, a collaborative business that promotes, sells, and distributes food and drink from 10 SME producers on Arran to markets in the UK and abroad. Alistair is also the founding Chairman of VisitArran and a founding member of the Arran Economic Group focused on fostering community development and preserving Arran's cultural and natural heritage.
