Scottish Government
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Promoting Scottish produce

First Minister Alex Salmond has today started a week-long commitment to only 'eat Scottish' food.

The First Minister will only be using Scottish produce - fresh, stored and frozen - for all meals during the next seven days. The pledge to 'eat Scottish' was made in support of Stephen Jardine's 'Eating for Scotland' campaign for STV.

The Rowett Research Institute and professional cook Wendy Barrie provided advice to the First Minister on his meals to ensure they were nutritionally balanced. The First Minister's campaign started today with a breakfast of porridge and fruit followed by toast and jam.

Mr Salmond said:

"Scotland is home to some of the freshest, highest quality foods in the world. The economic, social and health benefits of supporting Scotland's food are vast.

"We need greater awareness of these benefits and I have agreed to 'eat Scottish' food to do just that. My Government is working hard to encourage more support for our own produce which is why we fully support Stephen Jardine's year long campaign to eat only Scottish produce.

"The Rowett Research Institute and Wendy Barrie have provided help and advice on my planned meals - showing that Scottish produce is not only widely available it is also affordable and healthy.

"In fact the Rowett estimate that a Scottish-sourced meal plan like mine, with three meals a day, can be produced at an average cost of well under £2 a meal.

"Of course, we need a variety of foods to ensure a balanced, healthy diet - some imports are necessary. However, we should use home-grown solutions where and when we can.

"Already this Government has launched a national food discussion to ensure we do choose the right ingredients to make the most of Scotland's food. We are working towards a national food policy - our first ever cross-cutting policy on food.

"Food can boost jobs and businesses, promote healthier lifestyles and minimise the environmental impact of its production and retail.

"We must look at ways of addressing supply chain issues and encouraging the industry to work together to ensure we support our food, and our food effectively supports a wealthier, healthier, and greener Scotland."

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead recently announced a new £60 million scheme to help develop Scottish food.

The Scottish Government is aware that supermarkets are already stocking and promoting Scottish produce and are in continued discussions to maintain positive working relations. A supermarket summit is due to be held later this year.

Related Informtion

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/News-Extras/menu

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/03/17085157

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

http://www.food.gov.uk/

http://www.rowett.ac.uk/

http://www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk/

http://www.stv.tv/

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