Based on commissioned research by BiGGAR Economics of Penicuik, the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS) has, in the period 2011 to 2016, generated wider economic benefits for the Scottish economy of £152 million per year and has created, over the same period, around 1 500, jobs based on average annual investment of only £49 million. The main economic impacts reported, some of which are expected are expected to be greater when finally measured, are:
- Commercialisation benefits of £1.6 million GVA (Gross value added) and more than 50 jobs.
- Animal health benefits of at least £3.0 million GVA
- Plant health benefits of at least £16.6 million GVA.
- Genetic improvement benefits of £35.9 million GVA and supporting around 260 jobs.
- An increase of £3.3 million GVA within the food and drink sector, which supported around 140 jobs.
- Environmental benefits estimated to be worth £71.7 million GVA to the Scottish economy and to have supported around 620 jobs. Exports worth £19.4 million to the Scottish economy and which supported around 390 jobs.
- Workforce productivity benefits of £0.2 million. 1.2 Future Expected Benefits
These figures are almost certainly an underestimate because it takes time for ideas to come through income generation.
To quote the report:
‘As this impact does not consider the future impact of the other areas of activity considered in this report it is almost certainly an underestimate.’
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/09/5004
Talking-up Scotland 