RELATIONSHIPS with Scottish farmers, and procurement from across Scotland, are key to Marks and Spencer's buying policy, according to the retailer's head of agriculture and fisheries, Steve McLean, speaking at the Highland Show last week.

"Scotland provides exceptional quality as far as food source are concerned," Mr McLean told the SF. "The raw materials that Scottish producers can provide are often second to none. Scottish farmers and growers also have a proud heritage, and this shines through in the quality of their produce."

He explained that Marks and Spencers' milk pledge ensures that its dairy farmers are as well looked after as possible in the current industry climate, and also means that the milk in their stores comes from farms with industry-leading milk standards.

"As far as our milk pledge is concerned, we've had the same model for 50 years. We would see no reason to rock the boat when it comes to maintaining our relationship with farmers. We appreciate that the industry as a whole is going through a time of crisis and uncertainty, so we want to do all we can to help our producers through that, not make their lives more difficult. We know that market dynamics may have to change.

"We want to give our farmers the confidence to look to the future – whether they're producing milk, or beef, or salmon, or growing crops – whatever it may be, we want to make sure they feel the benefits of our input. It should be a win-win situation for both us and them!"

The company's ‘Farming for the Future’ awards were presented at the Royal Highland Show. This years winners were:

• Alan Steven, of St Andrews, who produces vegetables including Brussels sprouts and parsnips, who received the Innovation Award;

• Steven Jack, of Inverness, who grows potatoes and rainbow carrots, received the Outstanding Producer Award;

• Andrew MacLeannan, of Oban, who produces Lochmuir Salmon for M and S, who took the Young Producer Award'.