This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Towards a sustainable food industry
14/12/2001
A sustainable food industry will improve health standards and benefit the economy, a conference was told today.
At a meeting of 'Forward Scotland', an organisation that develops the practical, local aspects of sustainable development Minister for Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie said he wanted a Scottish food industry which is "good for people, good for the environment, good for our economy - and sustainable".
He said:
"Food is an important issue for everyone, from the producers and processors to the retailers and consumers and sustainable development of food production in Scotland is something we should be focussing on.
"I want the food we produce and consume in Scotland to be high quality and nutritious. Consumers need information on what they are eating. This is why the Executive recently issued new Guidance Notes on Place of Origin which emphasises that origin information on food labels should be clear and unambiguous.
"I am keen that we in Scotland eat more locally produced food. Not only will it be good for the economy, it also cuts down on 'food miles', reducing fossil fuels use, CO 2 emissions and congestion. This is why we are funding groups like the innovative Forth Valley Food Links Partnership Project with a Sustainable Action Grant, to support the local food sector.
"We all know a balanced diet is key to good health and health statistics tell us that we in Scotland are not good at this. The Executive is working hard to promote The Scottish Diet Action Plan, "Eating for Health", to provide information and education to promote healthy eating. Amongst the strategies we have developed are school breakfast clubs and the introduction of fruit and salad bars.
"Access to fresh, home-grown produce will greatly increase the health of our nation. We have an abundance of excellent produce in Scotland. Good examples of sustainable development food production exist, but we are not there yet. There is work to be done to ensure Scottish food is high quality, healthy and sustainable."
The Executive provides an annual grant to Forward Scotland, this year the organisation benefitted from £485,000 of funding.