SNP MUST DELIVER ON NATIONAL FOOD POLICY

12.00.00am GMT Mon 5th Nov 2007

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has today called on the Scottish Government to commit to a national food policy that will ensure the use of more local produce within the public sector as well as a fairer deal for primary producers.

Speaking ahead of a Parliamentary debate, Jim Hume said:-

“It’s not rocket science – by using local produce we’re boosting our economy, our health and we’re also saving on food miles.

“I have campaigned on local food procurement within the public sector for many months and have called on the Cabinet Secretary to get on with the job of creating the policy that will encourage uptake of local produce within our schools, hospitals and prisons.

“East Ayrshire Council ran a pilot school meals project in which 70% of the food was sourced locally. That scheme was so successful that it’s being rolled out to other schools in the local authority area.

The MSP continued:-

“I have also called for better monitoring of the supply chain so that primary producers get a better share of the profits for their goods. The Competition Commission has just recommended that an independent ombudsman should be set up and I am seeking assurances from the Cabinet Secretary that he will now progress this.

“The Scottish Government must now get on with the job of fulfilling this long awaited manifesto pledge.”