Boost for Scottish producers

Scottish producers will be supported to maximise the use of locally produced food and drink in public sector settings including schools and hospitals, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

In a speech to the Quality Meat Scotland breakfast at the Royal Highland Show, the First Minister announced the new Public Sector Food Procurement Taskforce, which will help identify and address barriers for the public sector to source more locally produced food.

The Taskforce will bring together representatives from across the food system, including producers, processors and procurement specialists. The first meeting is due to take place later this summer.

The First Minister said:

“Scotland’s food and drink is among the best in the world. Food producers and processors are at the heart of our country’s economy – sustaining businesses and jobs across Scotland, including our rural and island communities, and this government will always champion them.

“This taskforce will strengthen the use of Scotland’s fantastic local produce in public sector environments – whether that is catering in hospitals, schools or government offices. Doing so will offer an important boost to local food producers including farmers and crofters and help to grow Scotland’s agricultural economy – supporting our rural communities to thrive.

“Sourcing food locally brings significant environmental benefits, reducing the miles food needs to travel from production to plate. It will also mean more people can benefit from fresh and nutritious produce, helping them to live healthier lives.

“This government will do everything in our power to ensure that rural Scotland and our food and drink sector continue to thrive.”

Background 

The Taskforce will be chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie, with membership drawn from producers, buyers and the food sector across Scotland. The Taskforce will work at pace to provide a range of recommendations to Ministers.

The First Minister's speech to the Quality Meet Scotland breakfast is available on the Scottish Government's website.