SEFARI

What SEFARI does

SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions) is a consortium of six publicly funded Scottish research institutions — Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS), The James Hutton Institute, Moredun Research Institute, The Rowett Institute, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) — established in 2017 to deliver the Scottish Government's Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Portfolio. Its coordinating function, branded SEFARI Gateway, operates as Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, brokering research expertise from the six member institutes into evidence-based outputs for government, industry, and third-sector stakeholders across five thematic areas: Plant and Animal Health, Sustainable Food System and Supply, Human Impacts on Environment, Natural Resources, and Rural Futures.

The core product surface comprises the SEFARI Gateway web portal, the underlying Strategic Research Programme, and a set of knowledge exchange instruments — Fellowships, Specialist Advisory Groups, Innovative Knowledge Exchange Projects, Events/Training, and Horizon Scanning — supplemented by dissemination channels including The Spark and The Food Lab newsletters, the SEFARI Blog, Case Studies, a Directory of Expertise, and social media. Four cross-cutting Centres of Expertise (ClimateXChange, CREW, Plant Health Centre, EPIC) provide specialised policy support in climate adaptation, water resources, plant health, and animal disease rapid response, and the Underpinning National Capacity programme funds essential research services and rapid policy support.

SEFARI operates a managed-services revenue model funded entirely through Scottish Government strategic research grants via the Rural Environment Science and Analytical Service, with a committed envelope of nearly £250 million over the 2022-2027 portfolio cycle. There are no disclosed commercial pricing models, fee-for-service offerings, or diversified revenue streams. Geographic scope is concentrated in Scotland, with the customer base segmented horizontally across Scottish Government policymakers (primary), industry/business stakeholders, and the third sector/public.

Name

SEFARI

Legal name

SEFARI

Website

https://sefari.scot

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SEFARI is a Scottish Government-funded consortium of six research institutions that delivers evidence-based research and knowledge exchange across environment, agriculture, food, and rural communities for Scottish policymakers and stakeholders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Research and Environmental Policy

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (541620)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

ESG, Sustainability & Impact Research (BPAHALAL)

Keywords

• Environmental research services
• Agricultural research consortium
• Knowledge exchange platform
• Policy advisory research
• Rural economy research

Headquarters

HQ city

Dundee

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Strategic Research Funding: SEFARI is funded by the Scottish Government through the Strategic Research Portfolio (2022-2027), with a commitment of nearly £250 million over five years addressing priority research topics including climate change, land use, biodiversity, rural economy, animal and plant disease, water and flooding, air quality, circular economy and land reform.

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SEFARI is a consortium of six Scottish research institutions that delivers the Scottish Government's Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Portfolio through its SEFARI Gateway, the Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation. It coordinates multidisciplinary research across the themes of Plant and Animal Health, Sustainable Food Systems and Supply, Human Impacts on Environment, Natural Resources, and Rural Futures, providing evidence-based analysis to inform Scottish Government policy and supporting knowledge exchange with industry and third sector stakeholders.

Product overview

SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions) operates primarily through its SEFARI Gateway, which serves as Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation for the Scottish Government's Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Portfolio. The ecosystem consists of the SEFARI Gateway coordinating knowledge exchange, the Strategic Research Programme delivering multi-disciplinary research across six institutes covering Plant and Animal Health, Sustainable Food System and Supply, Human Impacts on Environment, Natural Resources, and Rural Futures. Supporting offerings include Fellowships, Specialist Advisory Groups, Innovative Knowledge Exchange Projects, Events/Training, and Horizon Scanning services. Communication and dissemination products include The Spark Newsletter, The Food Lab Newsletter, the SEFARI Blog, a Directory of Expertise, and Case Studies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Spark: SEFARI Gateway's monthly newsletter showcasing research activities and achievements
• Leading Ideas for Better Lives

Products and services

• SEFARI Gateway Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation for the Scottish Government's Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Portfolio. Facilitates co-construction and expert responsiveness across policy, agencies, industry, and third sector, connecting research and policy through partnerships. For Scottish Government, policy makers, industry, and the third sector.
• Strategic Research Programme Long-term research programme delivered by six globally renowned SEFARI research institutes spanning themes of Plant and Animal Health, Sustainable Food System and Supply, Human Impacts on Environment, Natural Resources, and Rural Futures. For Scottish Government and policy stakeholders.
• Fellowships Programme Co-constructed bespoke, responsive opportunities aiming to develop shared understanding between researchers and stakeholders, and to prioritise areas for common effort supported by research knowledge and expertise. For researchers, policy teams, industry, and third sector partners.
• Specialist Advisory Groups Interdisciplinary partnerships responding to national and global grand challenges at appropriate scales and pace. For Scottish Government, policy teams, and research stakeholders.
• Innovative Knowledge Exchange Projects Novel and collaborative ways of sharing and applying research that increase the visibility of contributions from the Strategic Research Portfolio. For research users, industry, and policy stakeholders.
• Events, Training Skills and Development Comprehensive events, training and capacity-building designed to enhance knowledge exchange networks and best practice. For researchers, policy makers, industry, and the public.
• Horizon Scanning Services focused on seeing the bigger picture, identifying emerging risks, priorities and interdisciplinary research opportunities. For Scottish Government and policy teams.
• Directory of Expertise Directory providing access to the Portfolio's research and expertise to ensure evidence helps inform the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland. For policy makers, industry, and stakeholders seeking expertise.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six globally renowned research institutes comprising the SEFARI consortium, delivering the Scottish Government's Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Programme. BioSS provides expertise in biomathematics and statistics applied to agricultural and environmental research.
• The James Hutton InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six globally renowned research institutes comprising the SEFARI consortium. The Institute conducts research in crops, soils, land use, and environmental science, serving as a key hub for SEFARI Gateway operations based in Aberdeen.
• Moredun Research InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six globally renowned research institutes comprising the SEFARI consortium. Moredun specializes in livestock health and disease research, providing expertise on animal welfare and disease prevention.
• The Rowett InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six globally renowned research institutes comprising the SEFARI consortium. The Rowett Institute focuses on nutrition research, food safety, and diet-related health outcomes at the University of Aberdeen.
• Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six globally renowned research institutes comprising the SEFARI consortium. Contributes expertise in plant biodiversity, conservation, and plant health research.
• Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six globally renowned research institutes comprising the SEFARI consortium. SRUC provides research and education in agriculture, rural economy, and environmental science across Scotland.
• ClimateXChangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre of Expertise providing independent advice, research and analysis to support the Scottish Government in developing and implementing climate change adaptation policies and achieving net-zero goals. Works across reducing emissions from construction, land use, heating and transport.
• Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre of Expertise that draws knowledge from the research community to inform water policies in Scotland, ensuring efficient and wise use of water resources and supporting Scotland's 'Hydro Nation' ambition.
• Plant Health CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre of Expertise bringing together plant sectors (forestry, horticulture, natural environment and agriculture) to coordinate plant health knowledge across Scotland by connecting science to application and collaborating with stakeholders.
• EPIC Scotland (Epidemiology, Population health and Infectious disease Control)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of six Scottish research institutions that protects animal health by advising policy teams about animal disease outbreaks. Functions as a rapid response unit providing support during animal health emergencies.
• Scottish GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary funder through the Rural Environment Science and Analytical Service. The Strategic Research Portfolio is funded by Scottish Government committing nearly £250 million over five years (2022-2027) addressing climate change, land use, biodiversity, rural economy, animal and plant disease, and water and flooding.
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration through public engagement events such as UnEarthed science showcase. Partnership for the PROTREE project which developed the CALEDON forest management computer game to engage public on tree health and plant biosecurity.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• INRAE: France's national research institute for agriculture, food and environment, Europe's largest agri-food research body. Comparable as a state-funded multidisciplinary research consortium spanning SEFARI's core themes.
• UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH): Major UK government-funded research centre covering ecology, hydrology, and environmental science. Comparable as a publicly-funded interdisciplinary environmental research provider serving policy needs.
• Wageningen University & Research: Dutch public research and education organisation recognised as a global leader in agricultural, food, and environmental science. Comparable as a publicly-funded, multi-disciplinary agri-food-environment research powerhouse.

Direct peers

• AgResearch (New Zealand): New Zealand Crown Research Institute delivering pasture-based agricultural and environmental science. Comparable as a government-owned research entity informing national agricultural and environmental policy.
• ClimateXChange: Scotland's Centre of Expertise on Climate Change, also funded through the Scottish Government to provide independent climate policy advice. Direct peer as a sister Centre of Expertise within the same funding architecture.
• Teagasc: Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority providing research, advisory and training services. Comparable as a state-funded body combining agricultural and food research with knowledge transfer and policy support.
• CREW (Centre of Expertise for Waters): Scottish Government-funded Centre of Expertise providing water policy evidence to Scotland. Direct peer within the same policy-evidence ecosystem, also delivered through academic partnerships.
• Plant Health Centre: Scottish Government-funded Centre of Expertise coordinating plant health science across forestry, horticulture, agriculture and natural environment. Direct peer in plant-science policy advisory.
• Rothamsted Research: UK's oldest agricultural research institute, delivering strategic science in crops and soils. Comparable as a publicly-funded, mission-driven agricultural and environmental research organisation.
• EPIC Scotland: Scottish consortium of six research institutions providing rapid animal disease outbreak advice. Direct peer as a sister consortium within the Scottish ENRA research portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sefariscot
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHCquRvDdAuttXNzxIQ-Tkg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sefari-scottish-environment-food-and-agriculture-research-institutes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SEFARI