NEW funding to support Scotland’s 'phenomenal' food and drink industry has been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The £10 million funding package has been allocated to help deliver the ‘Ambition 2030’ food and drink strategy, which will target key markets, boost innovation, focus on skills, and support local producers – all with the objective of doubling the value of the industry to £30 billion by 2030.

The First Minister said: “Scotland’s food and drink sector has enjoyed phenomenal success over the past ten years with unprecedented growth in turnover and exports, including food exports alone doubling to £1.5 billion.

“Yet the risk of leaving the EU and the single market means these are uncertain times, while revoking the free movement of people could have a profound impact on our food and drink industry.

“That is why we are doing our utmost to support the industry – working in partnership with Scotland Food and Drink, the industry bodies, and our producers – and this new £10 million investment will help the industry realise its ambition to double its value by 2030.”

Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers said: “As an industry, we are hugely ambitious for the future. There are uncertainties ahead, but we have a world class industry and growing markets at home and abroad. ‘Ambition 2030’ will drive a new era of growth in our sector for the benefit of Scotland’s economy and communities.

“The secret of success over the last decade has been a spirit of partnership between the industry, government and its agencies," said Mr Withers. "This funding announcement demonstrates our collective commitment to deepen that partnership and take our work to a new level.”

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick commented: “A lot of growth is ahead, a lot of jobs will continue to be supported and more will be created. The supply chain is profitable but not all in this chain currently share in that profitability.

“Provenance is the foundation of this industry and that foundation starts on our farms and crofts. We need to do better in making our farms part of the food and drink chain," said Mr McCornick. "We don’t want farmers simply to be used in the pictures promoting our food and drink industry. Without profitability for farmers the food and drink supply chains will not be sustainable. We need all in the supply chain to share the risks and enjoy in the rewards.

“The ambition launched today aims to continue the growth of Scotland’s food and drink industry and bridge the gap between our food producers, our farmers and crofters, and the rest of the supply chain so that all enjoy the success of Scotland’s most successful industry.”