Food and drink in Scotland
Tuesday 01 July 2008
The next steps towards the first National Policy for Food and Drink to boost the industry, support healthier and more environmentally sustainable choices and enhance Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink, have been announced.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead announced several new measures including:
- A major campaign, led by high-profile chef Martin Wishart, to improve the quality and visibility of Scottish produce served in Scotland's restaurants and pubs
- A focus on food education through Scotland's first Cooking Bus, teaching healthy, practical cooking skills to pupils, parents and community groups across the country
- An investigation into 'Scottish' labelling of food and drink to help make it easier for consumers to identify and trust labels
- Support for a world-class health and nutrition centre through the future merger of the Rowett Research Institute and Aberdeen University
- A new Scottish Government catering contract which leads by example with greater emphasis on healthier menus, and the procurement of fresh and seasonal produce
- An inquiry into affordable access to food, in light of the global rise in food prices.
At the Royal Highland Show's Food Hall, Mr Lochhead said: "The time is right for a fresh new future for Scottish food and drink. We have listened to the people of Scotland and they have told us what their priorities are - health and nutrition, education, local food and local economies. I aim to deliver a National Food and Drink Policy which will promote Scotland's sustainable economic growth by ensuring the focus of all food and drink-related activity by Government offers quality, health and wellbeing and sustainability, whilst recognising the need for access to affordable food for all.
The national discussion 'Choosing the Right Ingredients' which ran from January to April 2008 raised a wide range of issues including: diet and nutrition, local food and economies, health promotion, education in schools and access to food. This policy will clearly work alongside the alcohol misuse strategy.