National food policy takes shape

19 November 2007

Scotland could have a national food policy by next year. The debate on food policy took place on Wednesday 7 November in Scottish Parliament. The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead opened the debate by stating:

"The Government thinks that it is in the interests of consumers and in our national interest that the Parliament should support a joined-up, national food policy that promotes our economy, health, environment and culture. The time is right for such an approach, for which there is cross-party support in the Parliament.

"We can all agree that our food policy should make our nation healthier, fairer, wealthier and more sustainable."
The Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison closed the debate by saying:

"I am hugely encouraged by the constructive tone of many of the speeches that have been made, although there were one or two surly exceptions; the debate has been a reassurance that we are on the right track. Members recognise that what is new is the bringing together of all the relevant aspects throughout Government into a national food policy that will establish the direction of travel for the entire food supply chain in Scotland."

For all the details on the Food Policy debate.

The debate follows an Open Space event on 8 October 2007 in Dundee. At these workshops, a series of break-out groups identified a total of 14 core issues and proposed 42 action points to address them. Some of key issues emerging were:

How can we engage consumers in relation to food and health?
How do we achieve a long-term integrated food policy for Scotland?

The full report can be assessed on the Scottish Government website.

The Food Industry Unit is currently working on a discussion document that will propose a direction of travel for food policy. A consultation will happen early next year.

For more information: visit the Scottish Government website.

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