ACS

The first steps towards a national policy for food, designed to boost jobs and business, help make food healthier and minimise the environmental impact of food production, manufacture and retail, have been taken in Scotland.

The food policy, which would be the first of its kind in the UK, aims to join up government policy on every part of the food chain from farm gate to plate.

The discussion paper 'Choosing the Right Ingredients', 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
• The promotion and sale of more affordable, healthier and clearly labelled Scottish produce

Member of Scottish Parliament Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment 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 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 produces some of the finest food in the world but we need to tap into the full potential of this great resource for the benefit of everyone. We want to make sure we choose the right ingredients to make the most of Scotland's food. We want the freshest, finest future for Scottish food. Supporting food production and manufacturing in Scotland is in our national interest.

"The whole of Scottish Government is behind this cross-cutting policy which aims to secure a healthier, wealthier, greener Scotland."

The National Food Policy for Scotland will be the first cross-cutting policy on food developed in the UK