Food and Drink Action Plan Annex

Food and Drink Annex

Scottish Government Policy

The aim of Scotland's National Food and Drink Policy is to promote Scotland's sustainable economic growth by ensuring that the Scottish Government's focus in relation to food and drink, and in particular work with the food and drink industry, addresses quality, health and well being and environmental sustainability. In meeting that policy objective we want to create opportunities for the Public Sector and food producers to work together.

Public procurement in the food and drink sector, is valued at around £130 million per year.

Progress

The Scottish Government's Catering Framework Agreement promotes the use of fresh seasonal produce with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and nutritional standards.

Activity in Support of Sustainable Procurement

Additional research to define the characteristics of sustainably produced food and to create opportunities for the public sector and food producers to work better together, may include;

· The recognition of sustainable food procurement as a key objective which can be adopted by all public sector organisations.

· Consideration of the suitability of National Nutritional Standards for public catering as it is through the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act, 2007.

· Continued support for the development of appropriate knowledge, skills and expertise for producers and suppliers to access public sector contracts.

This will be supported through:

Working in partnership with COSLA, NHS, local government and community planning partnerships to promote the procurement of healthy, sustainable food.
New research to weigh up the options around cross sectoral collaborative procurement identified in the McClelland Review for public agencies which could benefit the procurement process and increase opportunities for SMEs.
The production of a further of good practice guides and toolkits to provide producers, suppliers, buyers and catering staff with clear practical guidance framework to aid the procurement of healthy, sustainable food in the public sector, including the revision and updating;
revision and updating of Guidance on "Integrating Sustainable Development into the Public Procurement of Food and Catering Services" to encourage the guide's adoption across the whole of the public sector and thereby support the procurement of healthy, sustainable food.
Continued support for 'meet the buyer' events that will strengthen the link between businesses, including small and medium enterprises ( SMEs) and public sector procurers.
Raising awareness of the Scottish Government's commitment to sustainably produced food with foodservice and food distribution companies to encourage the delivery of sustainably produced food and drinks.

Measurement

Milestones and targets are presently being developed by the Scottish Food and Drink Leader ship Forum for consideration by Ministers

Further Information

Scotland's National Food and Drink Policy

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry/national-strategy

'Walking the Talk' Report Public Sector Food and Drinks

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/12111724/0

The Guide to Public Sector Opportunities for SMEs

http://www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/view_item.aspx?item_id=61768&list_id=list1-58361&list_index=4

A Provenance Toolkit

http://www.provenanceonaplate.co.uk/

A Taste for Events