Peter is joined by Northern Irish farmer John Gilliland OBE to discuss land use, policy, data and much more.
In this episode we’re diving into the big topic of land use. Joining host Peter Green is Professor John Gilliland OBE, a farmer from Northern Ireland. John is also Professor of Practice in Agriculture and Sustainability at Queens University, Belfast. He’s an advisor for AHDB, Chair of Sustainable Farm Networks at Harper Adams University, a former President of Ulster Farmers Union and has experience in many other roles besides.
Peter asks John about his experience and views with regards to the land sharing v land sparing debate, especially what he has been doing and seeing on his farm in Northern Ireland. They also discuss baselining and use of data when it comes to land use to see what we could learn in the south west of England.
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Timestamps
00:15 Peter introduces the episode.
01:29 John comes in.
01:48 John gives more detail on his background in farming and sustainability.
02:49 John's broader experience and how they have impacted his perspective on sustainable agriculture.
04:56 John's estate in Northern Ireland.
06:55 Looking at things through a different lens.
09:00 Farmers run complex businesses that are all disconnected.
10:45 The Land Use Framework
11:11 Baselining project in Northern Ireland
13:00 Carrots and sticks.
15:40 Does this feel too good to be true?
17:00 The need to measure.
20:00 Empowering farmers to make their own decisions.
20:22 How does this relate to the south west of England?
21:19 ARC Zero
24:05 The various land uses on John's farm.
26:55 Peter rounds up.
27:12 Showstoppers
29:38 Peter rounds up the episode as a whole.