The Scotsman

NFUS seeks backing for major food and drink bill

- By BRIAN HENDERSON

NFU Scotland has called on all involved in the country’s food and drink industry to support their plea for the Scottish Government’s proposed Good Food Nation bill to deliver “real and lasting change” across the sector.

The union’s chief executive, Scott Walker, said that while the SNP had recently renewed its commitment to bring forward a bill to support the country’s growing reputation for the production of highqualit­y food and drink, it was crucial that farmers shared the rewards available in this expanding segment of the economy.

He said the growth in value of food and drink had run well ahead of expectatio­ns, currently surpassing all other industries to stand at £14.4 billion per annum, and claimed that targets to more than double output by 2030 made this flagship sector a jewel in Scotland’s economic crown.

Walker – who also sits on Scotland Food and Drink’s board – said: “A nation which aspires to value good food must be one which values the production of that food.

“Whatever ‘good food’ means to an individual, I’m sure it starts with where it comes from and how it’s produced. Scottish produce is world-leading for environmen­tal sustainabi­lity, welfare standards and, of course, taste.”

He said that the food and farming sector affected all aspects of society – and if the target of doubling its size was to be met, all parts of the supply chain had to thrive.

He said: “The challenge can’t be underestim­ated. We need to fix what is a broken supply chain and ensure that fair, equitable returns are had by all.”

Walker said that the Good Food Nation Bill provided an opportunit­y to promote the value of Scottish produce, enhance the reputation of Scottish food on a global stage, improve procuremen­t practices to source more local produce and to build a healthy relationsh­ip with food, adding: “We look forward to developing this positive discussion with other industry stakeholde­rs and policymake­rs.”

He said that in order to be effective it was crucial that the bill: promoted the value of Scottish produce; enhanced the reputation of Scottish food on a global stage; encouraged and incentivis­ed the public sector to source local; and helped people build a healthy relationsh­ip with food through improved education about making healthy, home-grown choices.

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