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The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF), formerly called the Scottish Crofting Foundation (also formerly called the Scottish Crofters Union), is an organization of crofting communities in the highlands and islands of Scotland.
The SCF's mission is to safeguard and promote the rights, livelihoods, and culture of crofters and their communities. Its magazine is called The Crofter.
SCF (Scottish Crofting Federation)
editThe SCF is a charity dedicated to safeguarding crofting and its cultural heritage. Established and run by crofters, SCF engages with agencies and government at a local, national, and international level to influence policy on rural issues including sustaining rural populations, food production, and environmental protection. It also provides a network of support to established, new, and aspiring crofters through training, mentoring, and sharing of experience.
Scottish crofting produce mark
editThe Scottish crofting produce mark was introduced in 2008 to identify products produced by a croft or similar small agri-business that is located in the Highlands or the Islands of Scotland.[1]
Only those businesses that qualify and are members of the Scottish Crofting Federation may place the mark on their products. The federation states on its website that it plans to enforce product quality, cleanliness, and traceability, as well as ensure animals are healthy and reasonably treated.[2]
Importance of crofting
editCrofting has sustained rural communities in many areas in Western Europe. Crofting provides certain benefits to the local community.[3]
Small-scale eco-friendly systems, as practiced by crofters, is an alternative to industrial agriculture.
Much of the UK's High Nature Value[clarification needed] farming is found in the crofting areas. Extensive land management methods have created and preserved the habitats of rare species now threatened elsewhere in the UK, and continuing crofting land use is recognized as having an important role in maintaining and increasing biodiversity.
Opposition to marine protected areas
editThe SCF opposes Highly Protected Marine Areas, a proposal from the Scottish government to create marine protected areas.[4][5]
Indigenous people
editThe SCF is currently involved in activities to encourage the UK government to recognize crofters as indigenous people of Scotland.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ SCP Mark announcement at Rural Gateway
- ^ Scottish Crofting Federation SCP Mark announcement
- ^ "More support for crofters to improve homes in remote and rural communities". Scottish Housing News. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ "Crofters would be hit hard by HPMAs claims SCF chairman". The Shetland Times. 9 May 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ "Highly Protected Marine Areas could have "devastating impact" on crofting". The Scottish Farmer. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ Hughes, Mark (19 April 2008), "Crofters fight for rights of indigenous people", The Independent.
External links
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