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National food policy discussion launched |
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Tuesday, 15 January 2008 |
Choosing The Right Ingredients, a national discussion on a food policy for Scotland, was launched today by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead.
The policy aims to join up government policy on every part of the food chain 'from farm gate to plate'.
The discussion paper covers a wide-range of potential areas for change
including new traceability schemes so people know where their food
comes from; greater innovation to develop more low-fat, low-salt and
low-sugar food; working with producers and retailers to deliver a more
sustainable food chain; teaching children how to cook and helping them
learn about taste and nutrition at a younger age, and the promotion and
sale of more affordable, healthier and clearly labelled Scottish
produce.
Lochhead said: "Food is about so much more than what we eat. It is
about jobs, the environment, tourism and the health of our nation.
"The time is right to start this debate and I hope as many people as
possible will have their say about the future of Scottish food. I want
people to let us know what excites them about food and what makes it
difficult for them to access healthy, Scottish, affordable food.
"The food and drink industry in Scotland is a key sector, and we are
committed to working towards creating the right environment for its
competitiveness and growth."
Scotland's farming union welcomed the publication of the discussion
document. NFUS President Jim McLaren said: "This is not just a food
policy, it has the potential to be a ground-breaking health, education,
environment and communities policy all rolled into one. It should
represents a whole new approach by government to the food and drink
industry, providing a platform for it to release its potential.
“Some of the world’s finest food and drink is being produced on our
doorstep, yet we still feed too many of the nation’s pupils and
patients with low quality food, imported from countries whose
production systems do not meet our own high standards.
"Best value in public procurement should no longer mean cheapest price.
If public institutions buy local, not only do they access high quality
food, they invest in rural communities and businesses, reduce food
miles and potentially improve the nation’s health record.
"However, a national food policy must go beyond public procurement. It
must look at improving the labelling of food and adding value by
processing products in this country rather than allowing them to leave
Scotland, only to be transported back again for sale once processed. It
is also about encouraging the ongoing management of the countryside by
farmers which, in itself, is an investment in our natural heritage.
"It is easy for governments to produce glossy strategy documents. We
need more than that. We need a national food policy which is ambitious
for change and can deliver real benefits on the ground."
No one has commented on this article.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 January 2008 )
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