Scientific research into using nutrition to boost health and combat disease today received the renewed backing of the Scottish Government.

Various research projects are backed by funding of £60 million a year from the Scottish Government. This five-year research programme was set up under the previous administration and is set to run until 2010.

The projects being supported by the Government include researching soil management techniques to improve agricultural yields, assessing whether compounds found naturally in blackcurrants can combat Alzheimer's disease, and improving the quality of meat through the use of ultrasound scanners.

"Scottish science is making a significant input to our developing national food and drink policy, which aims to boost the industry and support healthier and more environmentally sustainable choices," Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said.

"This high-calibre research is helping our primary producers to maintain and enhance the quality of our food and drink, whilst creating new opportunities for processors. This will help support our vital food and drink industry during this difficult time, to help achieve sustainable economic growth of the sector to reach £10 billion by 2017."

Public Health Minister Shona Robison added: "We have a lot of work to do to help people to improve their eating habits and it is exciting to hear evidence from Scottish scientists that can inform the choices we make as individuals, communities and as a country.

"Making the right choices about what we eat and drink is not only good for our own health but also good for the Scottish businesses that grow, process and manufacture our food."

The Scottish Government is also committed to tackling obesity and its related health problems, and earlier this year put £56 million towards an action plan on improving the nation's diet and levels of physical activity.