Next steps towards the first National Food and Drink Policy

23 June 2008

The next steps towards the first National Policy for Food and Drink to boost the industry, support healthier and more environmentally sustainable choices and enhance Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink, were announced on 19 June 2008.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead announced several new measures including:

A major campaign, led by high-profile chef Martin Wishart, to improve the quality and visibility of Scottish produce served in Scotland's restaurants and pubs
A focus on food education through Scotland's first Cooking Bus, teaching healthy, practical cooking skills to pupils, parents and community groups across the country
An investigation into 'Scottish' labelling of food and drink to help make it easier for consumers to identify and trust labels
Support for a world-class health and nutrition centre through the future merger of the Rowett Research Institute and Aberdeen University
A new Scottish Government catering contract which leads by example with greater emphasis on healthier menus, and the procurement of fresh and seasonal produce
An inquiry into affordable access to food, in light of the global rise in food prices

National Food and Drink Policy which will promote Scotland's sustainable economic growth by ensuring the focus of all food and drink-related activity by Government offers quality, health and wellbeing and sustainability, whilst recognising the need for access to affordable food for all.

Five key themes for action to develop the future policy have been set as:

Supporting the sustainable economic growth of the food and drink industry.
Supporting consumers and working with the food and drink industry to support healthier and more. environmentally sustainable choices through better food education about the impact on health and environment.
Celebrating and enhancing Scotland's reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.
Walking the talk - Getting Government to lead the way.
Affordability, access and security in relation to food.

The national discussion 'Choosing the Right Ingredients' which ran from January to April 2008 raised a wide range of issues including: diet and nutrition, local food and economies, health promotion, education in schools and access to food.

A copy of Richard Lochhead's statement and copies of responses during the national food policy discussion are available on the Scottish Government’s website.

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