16/01/08
Scotland’s farming union has said that a national food policy
has massive potential to boost the nation’s health, environment
and rural communities.
Commenting after the launch of a discussion document by the Scottish
Government on the development of Scotland’s first national
food policy, NFU Scotland has emphasised its view that improved
provision of high quality, local food and drink could be amongst
the most valuable of government initiatives.
For the last year, NFU Scotland has been running it’s own “What’s
on your plate?” campaign to highlight the benefits of buying
local food and drink.
NFUS President Jim McLaren said:
“This is not just a food policy, it has the potential to
be a ground-breaking health, education, environment and communities
policy all rolled into one. It should represents a whole new approach
by government to the food and drink industry, providing a platform
for it to release its potential.
“Some of the world’s finest food and drink is being
produced on our doorstep, yet we still feed too many of the nation’s
pupils and patients with low quality food, imported from countries
whose production systems do not meet our own high standards. Best
value in public procurement should no longer mean cheapest price.
If public institutions buy local, not only do they access high
quality food, they invest in rural communities and businesses,
reduce food miles and potentially improve the nation’s health
record.
“However, a national food policy must go beyond public procurement.
It must look at improving the labelling of food and adding value
by processing products in this country rather than allowing them
to leave Scotland, only to be transported back again for sale once
processed. It is also about encouraging the ongoing management
of the countryside by farmers which, in itself, is an investment
in our natural heritage.
“It is easy for governments to produce glossy strategy documents.
We need more than that. We need a national food policy which is
ambitious for change and can deliver real benefits on the ground.”
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