Extra funding for Scotland's food industry

4th March 2009, 8:00am

Extra funding of almost £1.4 million is to be invested in Scotland's food and drink sector to build on schemes such as the 'food for life' programme which ensures meals for more schools and hospitals are made with 75% unprocessed, 50% local and 30% organic ingredients.

Other projects include £228,804 funding for the Scottish Crofting Foundation to develop and support new producer groups and collaborative marketing ventures, reported The Scottish Government.

A total of 11 companies will benefit from the third round of awards under the Food Processing, Marketing & Co-operation Grants (FPMC) scheme.

Funding of £13.4 million under the scheme is expected to generate investment in excess of £54 million in the food and drink sector in Scotland. This will create over 170 jobs and safeguard a further 1,720.

Rural affairs and environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Today's grants are part of a £75 million investment the Scottish Government will make in the industry over the next five years as we move towards our target of growing the value of the industry to £10 billion by 2017.

"And later this year we will unveil the next stages in Scotland's first-ever National Food and Drink Policy. This too will boost business, as well as putting more Scottish food on consumers' plates and delivering major health and environmental benefits."

These grants are part of the National Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grants Scheme, which in turn is part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Grants are available to to build or refurbish premises, purchase new equipment, support marketing and business development and encourage collaboration.

A total of £60 million is being awarded over five years, along with £10 million through the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme in the European Fisheries Fund, and £5 million through the Marketing Development Scheme.

Related Articles:

• 02 Apr 2009 - A guide to Scottish produce
• 08 Jan 2009 - Meals on wheels
• 12 Dec 2008 - Healthy start for kids

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