The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Food and drink sector boosted by £4.6m from grants scheme
Courier Country businesses feature in latest round of SRDP scheme
A number of businesses in Perth, Fife and Angus have been named as recipients of funding in the latest round of the Food Processing, Manufacturing and Co-operation grants scheme.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has awarded £4.6 million to 15 projects as part of the scheme, which is delivered through the Scottish Rural Development Programme.
Speaking ahead of today’s AgriScot event in Edinburgh, Mr Ewing said the funding would support new products and extend existing lines, or building new facilities.
He said the financial support would safeguard 820 jobs and create a further 90.
“Our food and drink industry is worldrenowned for the quality of our wonderful natural larder, and is a key contributor to Scotland’s economy,” said Mr Ewing.
“The investment of more than £4.6m will benefit farmers, meat packers and bakers across Scotland and further demonstrates my continuing commitment to supporting and growing that contribution.”
Among the recipients are Fife-based fruit and vegetable business MA & MP Stockwell at Barnsmuir, near Crail, which has been awarded almost £730,000 to upgrade its equipment.
Angus-based drinks company Caledonia Cider is to receive just above £51,000 to upgrade its facilities.
Soft-fruit company JP Gray & Sons, based near Carnoustie, has been awarded just above £230,000 to upgrade its facilities.
The largest recipient of funding is the Dumfries and Galloway-based meat processor Brown Brothers Manufacturing, which is being given £803,241.33 to extend its premises, purchase new equipment and create 50 new jobs.
The investment of more than £4.6m will benefit farmers, meat packers and bakers across Scotland. FERGUS EWING