SNP SET OUT PLANS TO GROW SCOTLAND'S FOOD SECTOR
LEADING CHEF ENDORSES RICHARD LOCHHEAD
SNP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, Richard Lochhead today (Tuesday) set out the SNP's plan to grow sales of Scottish food by encouraging Scottish outlets to sell local food with a new 'Scottish Food Fans' grading system.
Over the last four years, the SNP Scottish Government have introduced a series of measures to promote Scottish food and drink, contributing to a 30% increase in sales of Scottish brands across Scotland, England and Wales.
Mr Lochhead made the announcement at Ondine, one of Scotland's best seafood restaurants, where he was endorsed by owner Roy Brett. In his own kitchen, Mr Brett places an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability and
was accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council shortly after opening Ondine for his seafood buying policy.
Endorsing Mr Lochhead, Roy Brett said:
"We're lucky to have Richard Lochhead in charge of rural affairs and also on the fisheries side...I've noticed that Richard's always at the front, always at the fore, when it comes to making sure Scotland's got a voice in sustainability."
Commenting, on Mr Lochhead said:
"It's a real honour to have the backing of one of Scotland's top chefs. "Scotland's food and drink has been one of the big success stories of Scotland's economy. The fantastic work done by chefs such as Roy promoting sustainable, Scottish produce is contributing to record growth in the sector.
"A re-elected SNP Government is committed to seeing this expansion in the market for Scottish produce continue.
"We've already seen a 30% increase in the sale of Scottish food and drink across. In a second term, an SNP will work to grow Scotland's food and drink sector further.
"With our Scottish Food Fans grading system we will encourage all Scottish outlets to stock local and seasonal produce.
"We will also support efforts to establish a national chain of community--based food networks that link up local suppliers with catering outlets, cafes, hotels and retailers.
"By promoting the valuable food sector, we are investing in the long term future of our nation -- creating valuable jobs and ensuring the supply of high quality, healthy Scottish food."
Notes:
1. The full interview with Roy Brett can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCDCd-aKD5Y
2. Mr Brett joins other high profile figures from the food and drink sector in endorsing the SNP's food and drink policy.
Backing the SNP's food and drink policy, Chef Andrew Fairlie said: "In terms of Scottish Government achievements, the overriding thing for me is Scotland's national food and drink policy. It is refreshing to see government taking an active interest in the food industry and actually doing something about it."
Food writer Lady Claire MacDonald said: "As far as I'm concerned the SNP Government has been greatly successful -the most successful government since devolution and from my point of view it is an absolute essential that Richard Lochhead is re-elected as
Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries.
"He has done what no Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries has done before since devolution. He has gone around Scotland the Highlands & Islands he has listened to people, he has made it his work to understand his brief of farming, be it farmers or crofters or fisherman and he really knows his subject. He knows the value of producing food both in terms of contributing to the Scottish economy and to employment it is such a huge important part of the Scottish economy.
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