Good Food Nation's plans to connect people to local produce

The scheme carries the requirement for key public bodies, particularly local authorities and health boards, to set out their own plans.

The Good Food Nation Plan sets out the ways in which the Scottish Government will work with businesses and organisations across society to help connect people to locally produced, high-quality food.

The move has been welcomed by NFUS president Martin Kennedy who said the sector believes it comes with a range of benefits, including stimulating more local sourcing across the public sector, showcasing the very best of local produce and shortening supply chains.

He said: “In the Act, we would want to see a procurement policy that was accessible and straightforward to allow small to medium enterprises to capitalise on the opportunity.

“Investment in local infrastructure, such as local abattoirs, food processing and transport links is also needed to build an agile and resilient supply chain which can service each local authority.”

The consultation was launched by Scottish government minister Richard Lochhead during a visit to City of Glasgow College where he helped national chef Gary Maclean and catering students prepare a Burns Supper.

He said: “This week the world will celebrate Burns Night which contributes to a thriving food culture and interest in Scottish cuisine.

Supermarkets will offer Scottish dishes to shoppers, and many will use Scottish ingredients to prepare their traditional Burns Suppers.

“In a Good Food Nation, this celebration of good quality and sustainable Scottish produce will be the norm.

People across the nation will be able to easily access high quality food and drink, and will benefit from the food they produce, buy, cook and eat each day.

“We have come far in this journey but we recognise that more needs to be done. That’s why we are seeking views on our fresh approach to food policy to make this vision for our food system a reality.”