A PROPOSED Union flag packaging scheme could boost levels of British produce consumed across the UK, according to a government minister.

Addressing the NFUS AGM in Glasgow, Under Secretary of State for Scotland John Lamont MP said the consultation on a new labelling system will ‘help UK produce stand head and shoulders above the crowd, making it easier for the buying public to choose the high-quality produce’ from the UK.

Mr Lamont, who spoke via video link from his home in Coldstream due to constituency commitments, said: “ I believe farm produce, proudly displaying the Union flag, would be eye-catching and get a boost among consumers.

“Not only does British fruit, meat and veg deliver on taste and quality, but consumers can be sure what they are buying has been produced in line with the UK’s tremendous standards on animal welfare, and – increasingly – with a lower environmental impact.

“Agriculture has a huge part to play in our important journey to net zero and you, as an industry, have already taken up the challenge with enthusiasm, innovating to be more efficient and greener.

“Crucially, domestic produce has to travel fewer miles from farm to fork, which makes perfect sense to me, and to the general public.

“Clear and consistent labelling will help consumers make the right choices.”

Mr Lamont said the scheme would give consumers more in-depth details and give consumers clarity to make the right choices.

Acknowledging that agriculture and food labelling is devolved to Scotland, and that the Scottish Government is also considering a labelling scheme, he urged the SNP-Green coalition to ‘come on board with the consultation’, so that food labelling is uniform.

Turning to funding, Mr Lamont explained that, for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, the Scottish Government will receive £620m per year on agricultural and rural funding.

This consists of £595m in CAP replacement, and the £25.7m uplift as recommended by the Bew Review.

Referring to pre-conference calls from the Scottish Tories and LibDems to return aligned funding to the agri budget, Mr Lamont said "I am aware of the hokey cokey at Holyrood over its internal agriculture budget, with £33m in, out, ‘deferred’ , and generally shaken all about.

“It concerns me, of course, but it is for the Scottish Government to justify to you, and to the wider Scottish public, the decisions they take.”

Mr Lamont, who stressed his own farming connections, having been raised on a farm in Ayrshire, defended the international trade deals struck by Westminster, with the government ‘very proud’ of the 70 deals and in-principle agreements reached so far.

Concluding, Mr Lamont said: “I am absolutely clear that governments of all hues must continue to back you to the hilt with a sensible and clear legislative framework and with suitable funding support.”