The grants are designed for businesses producing, processing and marketing local food.  The grant scheme, provided under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP), has awarded funding to 27 food-related companies.  

As part of the national food and drink policy being developed by the Scottish Government businesses are expected to form local food networks and work more closely together to create a healthier, greener supply chain from ‘farm to fork’. 

Lochhead said:

"Supporting Scottish food is in our national interest and this funding will help our food businesses grow and flourish.

"I have been impressed with the innovative, high-quality ideas which have been put forward for funding.

"We produce some of the freshest, finest produce in the world but it is not always easy for Scottish suppliers to access markets. This funding will help to develop greater collaboration and ensure that businesses can get into supply chains and meet consumer demand.

"This is all in line with our national and drink food policy, taking a cross-cutting approach to food and its wider impacts on our health, our environment and our economy.

"A healthy future for the food and drink industry contributes to sustainable economic growth in Scotland."