The First National Good Food Nation Plan

Part Three – Measuring Progress - Targets and Indicators

The complex nature of our food system, combined with the intentionally ambitious and far-reaching nature of the Good Food Nation Outcomes, requires an appropriate monitoring framework which can establish a baseline level of performance for our food system relative to our Outcomes. Through this framework we will monitor at a national level how different aspects of our food system that are aligned to our Outcomes are changing, highlighting over time areas where progress is being made and areas where challenges remain in realising our ambitious Outcomes. Being able to assess on a regular basis how Scotland’s food system is performing is an essential element in our efforts to become a Good Food Nation.

The monitoring framework consists of several high-level data-driven primary indicators that relate to each Outcome. Our indicators are drawn from a range of sources but are primarily from existing official statistics produced elsewhere across the public sector that intersect with food policy and the Good Food Nation Outcomes (i.e. poverty, health, environmental, and economic statistics). These indicators have been compiled alongside relevant supporting evidence drawn from a wider consideration of existing research, identifying limitations where there are known evidence gaps to allow monitoring of some aspects of the Outcomes at this point in time. This is set out in greater detail in a separate analytical publication.

Targets

Alongside primary indicators we have also identified a set of targets, which will provide a further means of tracking progress in achieving the Outcomes. These are existing targets or a refinement of existing targets. As the work on Good Food Nation continues to progress, we will look to develop further targets if needed. Where appropriate, these targets are also highlighted in the monitoring framework. For others we may rely on the reporting arrangements of policy areas holding overall ownership of that policy. We have highlighted any targets and commitments alongside the relevant policies in Part Four of this Plan. Annex C contains a list of all targets and commitments for ease of reference.

The Good Food Nation Indicators

This part of the plan sets out the relevant indicators that we have used initially to set a baseline to monitor progress towards the Good Food Nation Outcomes. Further detail and context is provided in an accompanying analytical publication to the Plan – ‘National Good Food Nation Plan: Initial Monitoring Framework’. The plan sets out each relevant indicator, a short summary of recent trends in each indicator (a headline) and the baseline which will be used to track progress.

In line with the duty to report on the plan every 2 years, it is the intention that data is updated in line with reports on the Good Food Nation Plan.

In most cases, the baseline for all indicators will be set when data for 2025 becomes available (the year that the final Plan is introduced). For some indicators however, due to non-annual reporting cycles, data relating to 2025 will not be available. In these cases, data from the year closest to 2025 will be used. The data reported in this publication is based on the most recent releases of these datasets available (as at 28 November 2025) at time of publication for each indicator.

Continuous improvement of Indicators

The indicator framework and associated targets are just a starting point and as time passes, we will ensure to continuously reflect and improve upon the way we measure progress against Good Food Nation Outcomes.

High quality sources of data are a key component for developing a robust monitoring framework. As well as being relevant and representative of the Outcomes, indicators should ideally be readily available, understandable, and accessible for use by a wide range of stakeholders, sensitive enough to detect changes over time, cost-effective to use and have low resource requirements for data collection and analysis. Therefore, where evidence gaps remain, it is important to consider that alternative datasets that might be suggested as the basis of an indicator in future iterations of the Good Food Nation Plan must meet these broad criteria. We have highlighted current gaps and limitations of indicators where relevant, under each Outcome in the accompanying analytical publication.

Indicator Framework

This part of the plan sets out all of the indicators used in the plan, a brief headline summary of recent trends or key findings from each indicator and a baseline that will establish a common reference point for each indicator to help assess whether the Good Food Nation Plan is bringing about the positive change required to move our food system closer to one that aligns with the six ambitious Outcomes set out in the national Plan. Further detail on each indicator, including links to data sources and further contextual information and narrative is provided in the accompanying analytical publication to the Plan.

Outcome 1: The food environment in Scotland enables people to eat well. Everyone benefits from reliable and dignified access to safe, nutritious, affordable, enjoyable, sustainable and age-appropriate food.

Indicator 1A.1: Rate of price inflation for foods relative to overall prices

• Headline: Following a period of relative stability from 2015 to 2021, food prices have become a major driver of overall inflation since 2022.
• Baseline: It is estimated that in 2025, when compared to 2015, food prices will have increased (+40.9%) by 3.2 percentage points more than overall consumer prices (+37.7%).
• Data source: Office for National Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPIH)

Indicator 1A.2: Individual level food insecurity

• Headline: Food insecurity reported by individuals increased significantly in 2023, but returned to previously recorded levels in 2024. Adults in single parent households were the most likely to experience food insecurity.
• Baseline: In 2024, 8% of adults were worried about running out of food, 6% of adults ate less food and 3% of adults ran out of food in the last 12 months. The baseline for indicator 1A.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 1A.3: Uptake of school meal provision in schools (free or paid for)

• Headline: The overall uptake rate of school meals (free and paid for) was up in 2023-2024, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. Uptake of school meals is highest among pupils with universal entitlement to free meals compared to where free meal provision is means-tested.
• Baseline: The latest data reflects school meal uptake in 2023-24 – which was 50.8% across all schools. A baseline will be set when 2024-25 data is published.
• Data source: Scottish Government, School meal uptake statistics, 2023-24

Indicator 1A.4: Drop off in breastfeeding from birth to 6-8 week review

• Headline: The overall drop off in the proportion of mothers that continue breastfeeding from birth to 6-8 week review point has been declining, falling by 10.5 percentage points between 2016/17 (35.8%) and 2024/25 (25.3%).
• Baseline: In 2024/2025, the percentage drop off in breastfeeding from birth to 6-8 weeks was 25.3%. This is the lowest recorded drop off rate. Higher drop off rates are observed in the most deprived quintile.
• Data source: Public Health Scotland, Infant feeding statistics

Indicator 1B.1: Proportion of the public who say they trust Food Standards Scotland

• Headline: Consumer trust in Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has remained high and broadly stable. FSS plays a critical role in ensuring businesses comply with the legal standards that protect the safety and authenticity of our food.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 1B.1 shows that the proportion of respondents with positive trust in FSS was 66%, as recorded in December 2024 (wave 19) of the Food in Scotland Consumer Tracker Survey. The baseline will be set for indicator 1B.1 when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Food Standards Scotland, Food in Scotland Consumer Tracker Survey

Indicator 1B.2: Proportion of businesses that receive a Pass from the Food Hygiene Information Scheme

• Headline: All food businesses have a legal requirement to ensure the food they place on the market is safe. The percentage of businesses achieving a ‘Pass’ rating in the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) has remained high, at over 90% since 2015-2016.
• Baseline: The percentage of Scottish food businesses with a FHIS ‘Pass’ in 2024 was 92.6%. A baseline for indicator 1B.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland, Our Food 2024 and Food Standards Scotland, Annual Report and Accounts

Indicator 1B.3: Number of food samples tested for food safety, standards and authenticity in Scotland

• Headline: The number of food samples tested for food safety, standards and authenticity in Scotland have been declining, reaching a low in 2020/21 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since 2020/21, sampling numbers have gradually increased.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 1B.3 shows that the number of samples reported by local authorities in 2024-25 was 4,402 (provisional figure).
• Data source: Scottish Food Sampling Database

Indicator 1C.1: Consumer-related changes to eating habits and food-related behaviours

• Headline: From Spring 2026, there will be new survey data available which will indicate how many people in Scotland are changing what they eat, motivated by health and/or sustainability reasons.
• Baseline: New data on food related behaviours will be published in early 2026 – when this is available this will set a baseline for this indicator going forward.
• Data source: Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland, Food and You 2 Survey

Outcome 2: Scotland’s food system is sustainable and contributes to a flourishing natural environment on our land and in our waters. It supports our net zero and climate adaptation ambitions and plays an important role in protecting and improving animal health and welfare and in restoring and regenerating biodiversity.

Indicator 2A.1: Greenhouse gas emissions from Scottish Agriculture

• Headline: Around a third of emissions from our food system were linked to agricultural activity. Total agriculture emissions have been in a long-term decline. In 2023, GHG emissions were at their lowest levels since the baseline period (1990).
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 2A.1 shows that total emissions from agriculture in 2023 were 7.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e). This is a decrease of 2% (0.2 MtCO₂e) compared with 2021. A baseline for indicator 2A.1 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Scottish agriculture greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen use: 2023-24

Indicator 2A.2: Total overall nitrogen application rates (kg/ha) on crops and grassland

• Headline: The agricultural sector is dependent on inputs of nitrogen (N), from both organic and inorganic sources. From 2000, the overall application rates of nitrogen fertilisers have decreased, with some fluctuation.
• Baseline: Overall nitrogen application rates (kilograms per hectare, or kg/ha) on crops and grassland in 2024 was 62 kg/ha. A baseline for indicator 2A.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, British survey of fertiliser practice

Indicator 2A.3: Estimated food waste generated per person from all sources

• Headline: In 2021, the per capita food waste was estimated to be 189 kg per person per year. This represents a 2% increase since 2013.
• Baseline: The baseline for indicator 2A.3 is an estimated 189 kg of food waste generated per person per year (2021). The methodology applied to arrive at this estimate is complex due to a variety of factors and will continue to be reviewed.
• Data source: Zero Waste Scotland, 2021 Scottish Food Waste Estimate (2024)

Indicator 2A.4: Climate adaptation

• Climate change is associated with a range of impacts across food processing, processing, distribution, retailing, consumption and the disposal of food waste. The Scottish National Adaptation Plan sets out a range of actions being undertaken to build Scotland’s resilience to climate change – including the resilience of our food system.
• Baseline: N/A
• Data source: N/A

Indicator 2B.1: Terrestrial and Marine Species Abundance

• Headline: The activities in Scotland’s food system and supply chain will continue to have an influence on biodiversity - particularly in relation to agricultural production and use of marine resources. There are a range of other drivers of biodiversity loss including climate change, pollution and the impact of invasive species.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 2B.1 is set at a Marine Abundance Index of 59.4 in 2019, and a Terrestrial Abundance Index of 101.3 in 2019. A baseline for indicator 2B.1 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Official Statistics - Marine and Terrestrial Species Indicators: Experimental Statistic | NatureScot

Indicator 2B.2: Kilotons of air pollutant emissions from agriculture and food and drink

• Headline: Air pollutants associated with primary food production, such as ammonia, PM10 and PM2.5 are at lower or at similar levels to those recorded in 2005. However, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have increased significantly, with Scotch whisky maturation being a large contributor.
• Baseline: Since 2005, total pollutants from agriculture and food and drink for ammonia (NH₃), PM10 and PM2.5 have fallen to 12.1%, 2.6% and 10.8% in 2023 respectively. VOC however has increased by 48.6% since 2005, with 77% of the total VOC recorded from agriculture and food and drink coming from Scotch whisky maturation.
• Data source: National Atmospheric Emission Inventory

Indicator 2B.3: Total hectares under organic land management

• Headline: The total area of land under organic land management has increased in recent years from a record low in 2018. However, the total area remains lower compared to pre 2014-levels.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 2B.3 reports that the fully organic land area was 105.0 thousand hectares in 2024 and total hectares including in-conversion was 131.5. A baseline for indicator 2B.3 will be set when 2025 data is available.

• Data source: Organic Farming in Scotland: 2024 - gov.scot

Indicator 2B.4: National soil health

• Headline: Healthy soils and sustainable management of existing soil resources enable Scotland’s food system to produce high quality food and drink products. Monitoring of soil health in a changing climate is a priority for the Scottish Government.
• Baseline: N/A
• Data source: N/A

Indicator 2C.1: Animal welfare concerns of Scottish consumers

• Headline: Animal welfare standards are an important food concern for Scottish consumers. Three-quarters of Scottish consumers reported being highly or somewhat concerned about animal welfare. Going forward, data will capture how often consumers check for information on animal welfare when purchasing food.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 2C.1 from 2023-2024 suggests that 75% of Scottish consumers were reportedly concerned about animal welfare. The question on level of concern about animal welfare is changing in future waves. From wave 11, a question on whether consumers check for information about animal welfare will be asked. A baseline for indicator 2C.1 will be set when this data is available in Spring 2026.
• Data source: Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland, Food and You 2 Survey: Scotland (Wave 8)

Indicator 2C.2: Proportion of laying hens in Scotland that are either reared as free-range or organic

• Headline 2C.2: More than three-quarters of laying hens in Scotland are either free-range or organic in 2025. This has increased from just over half of laying hens in 2014.
• Baseline 2C.2: The baseline for indicator 2C.2 is that the proportion of laying hens reared as free-range or organic was 78% in April 2025.
• Data source: Scottish Government Avian Registration Hub

Indicator 2C.3: Livestock animals inspected by local authorities every year in Scotland

• Headline: The number of livestock animals inspected by local authorities has increased in recent years and is more in line with numbers recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 2C.3 reports that 790,634 livestock animals were inspected or assessed in markets and other premises or holdings by local authorities in 2024. A baseline for indicator 2C.3 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Animal Health Act 1981: Expenditure and Prosecutions - 2024

Indicator 2C.4: Herd prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Scotland

• Headline: Scotland is recognised as being officially TB free with consistently low and stable prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Scottish cattle herds.
• Baseline: The latest data on herd prevalence of TB in Scottish Cattle herds was 0.1% in 2024. A baseline for indicator 2C.4 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Bovine Tuberculosis statistics

Indicator 2D.1: The proportion of commercial stocks fished at sustainable levels

• Headline: The sustainability status of stocks in Scottish waters has increased through time.
• Baseline: The sustainability status of stocks in Scottish waters has increased through time to a high of 73% in 2023. A baseline for indicator 2D.1 will be set when 2025 data for the Scottish Sustainable Fishing Indicator is available.
• Data source: The Scottish Sustainable Fishing Indicator (SFI)

Indicator 2D.2: Atlantic Salmon production volumes

• Headline: Atlantic Salmon production has grown from very low levels to be a high value food product that is the UK’s biggest single food export. The total production of Atlantic salmon during 2024 was 192,000 tonnes, an increase of 41,051 tonnes (27%) on the 2023 total.^[26]
• Baseline: The total production of Atlantic salmon during 2024 was 192,000 tonnes, an increase of 41,051 tonnes (27%) on the 2023 total. A baseline for indicator 2D.2 will be set when 2025 data is available. Total production for 2025 is estimated to be 195,182 tonnes, this value is a sector estimate based on stocks currently being on-grown.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish fish farm production surveys

Outcome 3: Scotland’s food environment and wider food system enables and promotes a physically and mentally healthy population. This leads to the prevention of, and a reduction in, diet-related conditions.

Indicator 3A.1: Mean portions of fruit and vegetables consumed by adults

• Headline: Mean fruit and vegetable consumption by adults in Scotland remains well below the Scottish Dietary Goal of 5 portions per day.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3A.1 shows that 2.9 portions of fruit and vegetables are consumed on average by adults per day in 2024, the lowest mean recorded. This will be the baseline for indicator 3A.1 as this data is collected every 3 years.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3A.2: Mean portions of fruit and vegetables consumed by children

• Headline: Mean fruit and vegetable consumption among children in 2023 remained at the higher end of the range recorded since 2008, but remains short of the Scottish Dietary Goal.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3A.2 is set at 3.1 portions of fruit and vegetables are consumed by children per day (2023, Scottish Health Survey data). A baseline for indicator 3A.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2023

Indicator 3A.3: Proportion of adults meeting Scottish Dietary Goals on fibre, free sugars and red and red-processed meat

• Headline: In 2024, the vast majority of adults in Scotland did not meet dietary goals for fibre (of 30g per day) and only a fifth met the goal for free sugar consumption (maximum of 5% energy from free sugars). Most adults do meet the goal to eat no more than an average of 70g of red and red-processed meat per day.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3A.3 shows that in 2024:

3% of adults meeting the SDG for fibre intake;

22% of adults meeting the SDG for free sugar intake and;

74% of adults meeting the SDG for red and red-processed meat intake

This will be the baseline for indicator 3A.3 as this data is collected every 3 years.

• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3B.1: The proportion of adults with a healthy weight (as measured by BMI)

• Headline: The proportion of adults with a healthy weight has remained relatively stable over time from 2012 to 2024. Although the proportion of adults that are overweight has decreased slightly over this period, the proportion that are living with obesity (including morbid obesity) has increased.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3B.1 shows that 33% of adults had a healthy weight in 2024. A baseline for indicator 3B.1 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3B.2: The difference in the proportion of adults with a healthy weight (as measured by body mass index (BMI)) in the most and least deprived quintile of the population

• Headline: The difference in the proportions of adults with a healthy weight between the least and most deprived has fluctuated over time.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3B.2 indicates that the difference in the proportion of adults in healthy weight categories for the least and most deprived quintiles was 11% in 2024. A baseline for indicator 3B.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3B.3: The proportion of children with a healthy weight (as measured by BMI)

• Headline: More than six in ten children were in the healthy weight range as measured by BMI in 2024. This proportion has been in the range 64% to 72% since 1998.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3B.3 shows that the proportion of children with a healthy weight was 65% in 2024. A baseline for indicator 3B.3 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3B.4: The difference in the proportion of children with a healthy weight (as measured by BMI) in the most and least deprived quintile of the population

• Headline: In 2024, 59% of children in the most deprived communities in Scotland have a healthy weight, compared to 74% in the least deprived communities.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3B.4 shows the difference in healthy weight categories for the least and most deprived quintiles of children was 15% in 2024. A baseline for indicator 3B.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3C.1: Prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the adult population

• Headline: Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults has remained broadly stable. In 2024, there was a significant reduction in the prevalence gap between adults in the most and least deprived areas.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3C.1 indicates that CVD prevalence in the adult population was 16% in 2024. A baseline for indicator 3C.1 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3C.2: Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed diabetes in the adult population

• Headline: Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed diabetes in adults has remained broadly stable, however rates are higher for adults in more deprived areas.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3C.2 indicates that doctor-diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the adult population was 8% in 2024. The difference in diabetes prevalence between the most and least deprived areas of 5 percentage points. A baseline for indicator 3C.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data source: Scottish Government, Scottish Health Survey 2024

Indicator 3C.3: Percentage of Primary 1 (P1) children with no obvious tooth decay

• Headline: Child oral health has improved over recent decades. In 2024, more than 7 in 10 P1 children examined showed no obvious decay experience. Inequalities between the least and most deprived areas remain.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 3C.3 is set at 73.2% which is the proportion of children with no obvious tooth decay recorded in 2024 and the difference in prevalence between the most and least deprived areas is 23.5 percentage points.
• Data source: Public Health Scotland, National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP)

3D: The food system contributes to positive mental health outcomes across the population

• Headline: An improved food system is expected to contribute positively to mental health outcomes for Scotland’s population. However, a suitable indicator used to assess and monitor this has not been identified at this stage, with further work required to develop indicators.

Outcome 4: Our food and drink sector is prosperous, diverse, innovative, and vital to national and local economic and social wellbeing. It is key to making Scotland food secure and food resilient, and creates and sustains jobs and businesses underpinned by fair work standards throughout food supply chains.

Indicator 4A.1: Real Gross Value Added (GVA) of the food and drink sector

• Headline: Following the Covid-19 pandemic, real economic output from the food and drink sector (as measured by Real GVA) contracted sharply in 2023. Although 2024 showed some recovery, recent data indicates the sector is contracting again in 2025.
• Baseline: The latest GDP data (Q2 2025) shows that output in the food and drink sector decreased by 2.9% compared with the same quarter in the previous year (Q2 2024). This compared to overall GDP growth of 0.9% over the same period. A baseline for indicator 4A.1 will be set when all 2025 data is available.
• Source: Scottish Government, Industry Statistics Database

Indicator 4A.2: The proportion of new food and drink businesses that survive after 1-5 years

• Headline: Recent data suggests a lower proportion of new businesses registered in 2022 in the food and drink sector continued to trade after one year compared to previous years; but the longer-term picture is less clear.
• Baseline: In the latest estimates for indicator 4A.2, 89.3% of business births in 2022 survived after 1 year, whilst the 5 year survival rate for business births in 2018 was 58.3%. A baseline for indicator 4A.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Industry Statistics Database

Indicator 4A.3: The percentage of businesses in the food and drink sector that are innovation active

• Headline: Food & drink businesses are more ‘innovation-active’ than businesses generally, but their innovation activity declined in 2020-22.
• Baseline: The latest data available for indicator 4A.3 finds that 55.6% of businesses were innovation active within the food and drink sector in Scotland in 2020-22. A baseline for indicator 4A.3 will be set when 2022-24 data is available.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, UK Innovation Survey 2023

Indicator 4A.4: Average Farm Business Income (with and without subsidy)

• Headline: After record high values in 2022-23, average farm income in 2023-24 was the lowest estimated since 2019-20 (after adjusting for inflation).
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 4A.4 reports that average farm income in 2023-24 was around £35,500, whilst average farm income without support was -£11,000. A baseline for indicator 4A.4 will be set when 2024-25 data is available.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Scottish Farm Business Income

Indicator 4B.1: Median earnings in the food and drink sector

• Headline: Median pay in the food and drink sector has increased at a similar rate to the average across all sectors in recent years. However, overall pay levels in the sector remain below the all-sector median.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 4B.1 reports that median weekly gross pay in 2024 for full-time employees in the food & drink sector was £670.70 per week. This was equivalent to 91% of the median across all sectors. A baseline for indicator 4B.1 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Industry Statistics Database

Indicator 4B.2: Number of Modern Apprenticeship starts in the food and drink sector

• Headline: The number of Modern Apprenticeship starts and ‘achievements’ in the food and drink sector has increased over time from 2021-22 to 2024-25.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 4B.2 finds that in the food and drink sector in 2024/25 there were 1,036 Modern Apprenticeship starts made, 921 in training and an achievement rate of 80.8%. This forms the baseline for indicator 4B.2.
• Data Source: Skills Development Scotland, Modern Apprenticeship Data

Indicator 4B.3: Gender Pay Gap for full-time employees in the food manufacturing sector

• Headline: The Gender Pay Gap for Median Gross Hourly earnings (excluding overtime) in the food manufacturing sector has narrowed over time, but remains consistently higher than the Gender Pay Gap across all industries and services.
• Baseline: The Gender Pay Gap for Median Gross Hourly earnings (excluding overtime) for full-time employees in the manufacture of food products sector was 13.3% in 2025. This compared to a gender pay gap of 13.2% in all manufacturing overall and 3.5% in all industries and services in Scotland.
• Data Source: Office for National Statistics, Gender pay gap

Indicator 4C.1: UK food production to supply ratio (value based)

• Headline: The UK’s overall balance of trade and domestic production of food remains broadly stable. The UK continues to source food from domestic production and trade at around an overall 65:35 ratio.
• Baseline: The production-to-supply ratio was at 65% for all food and 77% for indigenous foods (meaning those that can be grown in the UK) in 2024. This is the latest data for indicator 4C.1. A baseline for indicator 4C.1 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Agriculture in the United Kingdom

Indicator 4C.2: Total agricultural land area used to produce fruit and vegetables for human consumption

• Headline: The area of land in Scotland that is cultivated for fruit and vegetable production has increased by around one third (+33.4%) in the past 10 years, but represents only 0.5% of total agricultural land.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 4C.2 is that 24,799 hectares is the total land area used for growing soft fruits, orchard fruits and vegetables for human consumption in 2025.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Scottish Agricultural Census: results

Indicator 4C.3: Scottish production to supply ratios for key food commodities (volume based)

• Headline: After accounting for annual variations, Scotland produces more than it consumes across a range of agricultural commodities. Scotland is a net exporter of fish, cereals (barley and oats), potatoes, beef, dairy and eggs. Scotland is a net importer of pork, fruits and vegetables.
• Baseline: For indicator 4C.3, average self-sufficiency ratios across each commodity has been calculated from 2003 to 2024^[27]. Annual data is presented as a 5-year average – to account for any annual variability in agricultural production, for example. The 5-year average in 2024 will be a baseline for future monitoring.
• Data Source: Rathnayaka, S. D., Revoredo-Giha, C., & de Roos, B. (2024). Assessing Scotland’s self-sufficiency of major food commodities.

Indicator 4C.4: Total food supply available for human consumption globally

• Headline: Over the long-term global food production has continued to grow and keep up with population growth.
• Baseline: Total food supply available for human consumption was 3,016 kilocalories per person per day in 2023, increasing by 74 calories from 2019. This is the latest data for indicator 4C.4. A baseline for indicator 4C.4 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Food Balances

Outcome 5: People and communities are empowered to participate in, and shape, their food system. Scotland has a thriving food culture with a population who are educated about good and sustainable food.

Indicator 5A.1: Availability of allotments and community growing in local areas

• Headline: There are wide-ranging benefits for people associated with growing their own food in allotments and other community growing sites. Data on allotment availability and waiting lists are held at a local authority level.
• Baseline: N/A
• Data Source: N/A

Indicator 5A.2: Proportion of adults that had ‘grown fruit and vegetables to consume in the home’ in their garden or allotment

• Headline: In 2024, more than 3 in 10 adults (who had a garden or allotment) had grown fruit and vegetables to consume in the home. This increases in households with children.
• Baseline: In 2024, 35% of adults had grown fruit and vegetables to consume in the home in their garden or allotment. A baseline for indicator 5A.2 will be set when 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: NatureScot, NatureScot Opinion Survey 2024

Indicator 5B.1: Number of local authorities with a Food for Life Served Here certification

• Headline: Half of local authorities have a Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) certification for some or all of their school meal services.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 5B.1 shows that 16 of Scotland's 32 local authorities have a Food for Life Served Here certification at bronze, silver or gold in 2025.
• Data Source: Soil Association Scotland, Management Information of FFLSH scheme

Indicator 5B.2: Number of school learners reached by the Food for Thought Programme

• Headline: Since the opening of the Food for Thought Fund, the number of learners has decreased over time.
• Baseline: The latest data for indicator 5B.2 is that in 2023/24, there were 12,425 learners reached by the Food for Thought Programme. A baseline for indicator 5B.2 will be set when data collection resumes.
• Data Source: Education Scotland, Food For Thought Management Information

Indicator 5B.3: Proportion of households reporting to undertake sustainable food actions

• Headline: Over half of households report always or often intentionally buying seasonal fruit and vegetables in 2024, whilst over a third report always or often buying locally produced food.
• Baseline: In 2024, 53% of people reported that they always or often intentionally bought seasonal fruit and vegetables, and 36% of people reported that they always or often intentionally buy locally produced food. This is the baseline for indicator 5B.3.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Scottish Climate Survey 2024

5C: Scotland has a thriving ‘food culture’ that supports overall health and wellbeing

• Headline: A thriving ‘food culture’ in Scotland is expected to support overall health and wellbeing of the Scottish population. However, a suitable indicator used to assess and monitor this has not been identified at this stage, with further work required to develop indicators.

Outcome 6: Decisions we make in Scotland contribute positively to local and global food systems transformation. Scotland actively engages in learning and exchanging knowledge and best practice internationally.

Indicator 6A.1: Number of food and drink products in Scotland recognised under Geographical Indication schemes (PDO, PGI)

• Headline: Food and drink products recognised under Geographical Indication (GI) schemes has increased from 6 in 1996, to 16 currently (this includes Native Shetland Wool). There have been no new food products designated under GI schemes since 2020.
• Baseline: 16 food and drink products (including Native Shetland Wool) had either a Protected Geographical Indication or Protected Destination of Origin designation under UK and EU Geographical Indication schemes which were sourced entirely (or in part) from Scotland.
• Data Source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Protected geographical food and drink names

Indicator 6A.2: The value of Scottish food and drink international exports in current prices and real terms

• Headline: Scotland’s food and drink exports have been relatively stable over time as seen in both current and real terms.
• Baseline: The latest data for this indicator is £7.12 billion of food and drink exports in the year ending Q4 2024^[28], according to inflation-adjusted HMRC Regional Trade Statistics. A baseline will be set when Q4 2025 data is available.
• Data Source: Scottish Government, Inflation Adjusted HMRC Regional Trade Statistics for Scotland

Indicator 6A.3: The proportion of visitors to Scotland that highlighted that ‘Scotland’s food and drink’ was a reason for their visit

• Headline: 15% of visitors to Scotland were motivated to visit due to Scotland’s food and drink.
• Baseline: In 2023, 15% of visitors to Scotland highlighted food and drink as a reason for choosing to visit Scotland. This is the baseline for indicator 6A.3. Future updates are expected to be available every 3-4 years.
• Data Source: Visit Scotland, Scotland Visitor Survey

6B: Scotland food sector makes a positive contribution to global food system transformation

• Headline: Scotland’s food sector makes many positive contributions to global food system transformation. However, a suitable indicator used to assess and monitor this has not been identified at this stage, with further work required to develop indicators.