Martin Beard
CREATING a resurgence of native livestock and equine breeds in Scotland is the focus of the newly launched Rare Breeds Survival Trust manifesto.
Launched during RBST Scotland's ‘Back to the Future’ virtual conference, the Manifesto for Scotland’s Native Breeds sets out the six core actions that the new Scottish Government should take to boost the commercial, environmental and cultural benefits that native breeds can offer Scotland.
RBST vice president Scotland Martin Beard, who farms rare breeds including Large Black pigs and Portland sheep in Angus, said: “Scotland is a colossus in native breeds, from Aberdeen Angus cattle and Soay sheep to the Clydesdale horse, the Highland Pony and many more. Having evolved to be part of our landscape, these breeds are the experts in converting our native vegetation into high quality produce whilst maintaining natural habitats and enhancing biodiversity.