A conversation with Dennis Overton

With a career spanning over four decades, Dennis Overton has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable food systems, making significant contributions to the food and farming industries both in Scotland and internationally.

From his roots in the Highlands of Scotland to his work in Rwanda, Overton, retired Chair of SAC Commercial (SRUC Innovations), has championed initiatives and businesses that redefine how food is produced. His journey is a testament to the power of seeking new solutions, collaboration with communities and a deep commitment to nature.

His career began to take shape far from the fields of Scotland. After leaving school, he set off to South America, eventually landing in the Falkland Islands.

“That time was really transformative. The Falklands had a simple, self-sufficient in the basics agricultural system. I arrived uncertain of my career direction, but left convinced that agriculture, food and farming were where I wanted to focus my efforts. Agriculture struck me as fundamental; it wasn’t just an industry - it was a way to make a tangible, lasting impact on people’s lives.”

In 1987, Overton co-founded Aquascot, a sustainable seafood company that would help Scotland lead the world in aquaculture innovation. The company pioneered organic salmon farming, a venture that took years of development, but, with burgeoning customer demand and interest in organic produce, the business thrived.

“We discovered we could produce salmon in Orkney differently, with a better balance between the environment and the fish. In 1999, we brought the world’s first organic salmon to market. It was more than a product - it was a statement that sustainability and quality could go hand in hand.”

He later became trustee, and subsequently, Chair of The Soil Association. Here, Overton helped to develop the ‘Food for Life’ initiative, a programme which addressed questions about how nutrition impacted learning.

“It was about more than just improving nutrition. We wanted to reconnect school children with fresh, locally sourced food and show how good food could enhance learning, health and community well-being. It has had a transformational impact.”

Beyond Scotland, Overton’s work in Rwanda over 20 years has shown him how food systems can empower even the smallest communities. As Chair of Ikirezi, an organic natural products business, he has supported small-scale farmers in transforming their livelihoods. That experience offers insight into both the contrasts and the parallels between these regions and Scotland.

“There’s so much to learn from places like Rwanda. think one of the big differences is local production. Their agriculture is deeply tied to the land, with most food produced locally. Around 90% of their food is produced within 20 miles of home. They’re finding ways to take the best parts from food systems in other countries, rejecting problematic elements which don’t suit their aspirations or environments.”

Hope for the Highlands - regeneration and restoration

Since 2011, one of Overton’s long-term commitments has been his role as Chair of the Ardtornish board. This 20,000-acre estate in North Argyll has undergone significant transformation during his chairmanship, focusing on ecological restoration and sustainable land management.

“When I began, the land had been overgrazed and depleted. It was clear we had to rethink everything. We concluded that the previous 150 years direction of travel in land use was not sustainable. We began to focus on ecological restoration – allowing nature to flourish and supporting its growth.

“Whilst we’ve reduced sheep numbers, we continue to value and nurture ruminant farming on the estate, particularly cattle. Visitors and tourism are very important too. There’s a growing interest in the Atlantic Rainforest, and we’re now beginning to see people coming on rainforest safaris.

“Carbon capture has also become a key enterprise at Ardtornish, achieved through peatland restoration and planting native woodlands. The estate’s five hydroelectric schemes and two biomass systems have been transformative, creating a more sustainable, resilient business model.

“The land has an incredible capacity to heal if you give it the chance. Ardtornish is a place full of energy, innovation and opportunity, which makes the work exciting and fulfilling even after all these years.”

Building a Good Food Nation

Today, Overton is at the forefront of Scotland’s food policy as Chair of the Scottish Food Commission. Part of the ‘Good Food Nation Act’, this body plays a pivotal role in guiding the nation towards a transformed food system. He believes the Commission’s work is vital for supporting Scotland to address modern challenges in biodiversity, food security, human health and climate change.

“The Good Food Nation Act is ambitious, but it’s exactly what we need. We’re not just addressing farming practices but tackling the whole food systemfrom how we grow food to where it goes and what we end up eating.

“The next ten years could be transformative for farming. We’re seeing incredible opportunities in agri-tech and regenerative farming, all of it is reshaping how we produce food. There’s a ‘back to the future’ moment happening in agriculture now, in response to many of the challenges laid before us. For example, re-learning how to grow clover instead of focusing on bagged nitrogen. It’s about blending old practices with new tools to create resilient systems.

“As a nation, we’ve become quite disconnected from where our food comes from. Bringing food production closer to home strengthens communities and gives people a sense of connection to the land.”

Overton’s message to young people entering agriculture is simple but powerful.

“Farming is one of the most rewarding things you can do - it’s not just a job, it’s a calling. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Whether it’s restoring a patch of land, creating a new food product, or helping others find their place in this industry, every action counts.”

Reflecting on his career to date,

“So far, I’ve really enjoyed the ability to support new enterprises and see the power of a well-run company in a community. Creating businesses that last and have long-term impact is something I hold quite high up the list of meaningful achievements. What keeps me inspired is knowing the work we do today will shape the world we pass on to future generations”.