CHRISTMAS is the perfect time to buy from local producers. That is the message from NFU Scotland this festive season, asking the public to support their farmers and crofters – many of whom will still be working on Christmas day.

Not only does visiting a local farmer’s market, a local farm shop or going directly to the farmer, cut down on food miles, but consumers can be rest assured that farmers get the full return they deserve for the food they produce. They are also guaranteed that the food they are tucking into on Christmas day is of the finest quality, with full traceability back to the farm.

NFUS president Andrew McCornick commented: “Our thousands of farmers and crofters work day in and day out to provide the fine Scottish produce many will enjoy over the festive period.

“At a time of year when farmers and crofters are working hard to ensure you have food on your plate on Christmas Day, what better way to support them than to buy fresh, Scottish produce. Many continue to feed the beasts, milk the cows, and work on the farm during Christmas Day, and we’d ask consumers to show appreciation by making sure their festivities are as Scottish and local as possible," he said.

“This Christmas, I ask you to support your local farmers and crofters – that may be as simple as buying your brussels sprouts from the local shop or it could be buying your turkey or beef directly from the farmer. A little can go a long way and helps to enable farmers to feed you every day of the year. We produce a fantastic array of excellent produce to the highest of quality and Christmas Day is one of the few days that we can be sure people will buy, prepare, and eat fresh food.

“So, this festive season, let’s celebrate what we do and how we do it, be thankful for each other, and buy Scottish!”