This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Quality The Key To Export Success For Scottish Products - Finnie
31/10/2000
Scottish food and drink has earned a reputation across Europe as a top-quality product - but Ross Finnie today said he would like to see it on more continental dinner plates.
Speaking at a reception held in Edinburgh Castle to recognise the achievements of Scottish food and drink exporters the Minister for Rural Development said:
"In my first year as Food Minister I have been impressed by the commitment, imagination and enthusiasm of all those working in the industry and I have seen at first hand the variety and quality of Scottish produce. Our quality image is very important, particularly in export markets.
"But I know it has not been easy. The beef export ban was a hammer blow for our meat industry which, prior to the ban, accounted for about half of all food exports. The partial lifting of the ban leaves much to be done and we will continue to press Scottish interests are addressed at Brussels.
"An innovative and vibrant food industry is of vital importance to the Scottish economy - both directly and indirectly through its impact on related industries, particularly agriculture.
"The Scottish Executive is working in partnership with the Industry and the Enterprise Bodies to implement a food strategy. This will provide a more coherent and focussed programme of support for Scottish companies to increase exports and develop international business activity."
News Release: SE2803/2000
31 Oct 2000