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A guide that aims to help food producers identify new business opportunities in the fast-growing field of local produce has been launched.

The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) has been funded by the Scottish Government.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:

"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the local food industry and I have made this a clear priority since I came into office earlier this year. This is in recognition of the importance of food production to both the rural and wider Scottish economy.

"Scotland has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, innovative food produce and I would encourage local producers to think big and build capacity to meet the growth in demand for quality local food. This guide provides practical support and advice to help rural businesses grow and prosper.

"This follows our announcement to Parliament yesterday of financial support for the farming industry following the foot and mouth outbreak. This is another resource which producers can use to help in marketing their products, and developing their businesses."

David Lamb, Editor of the Guide and SAC Food Marketing Team Leader, added:

"The market for local foods has grown in Scotland over the past few years as consumers look for fresh high quality produce which can help support their local area, make a positive contribution to the environment and, where they can, buy directly from the producer.

"There has also been a growth in the opportunities to sell direct to the consumer from farmers markets and speciality shops to selling online. This guide sets out to give food producers ideas and options and contains a number of resources which producers can use to seek further assistance and help in the marketing of their products."

The publication of the Local Food Marketing Guide is part of the Scottish Government funded Scottish Agricultural College Advisory Activity programme. The food marketing element of this programme provides information and advice relating to the marketing of food from Scottish produce. Scottish Government funding for 2007/08 was £93,000.

The guide has been produced to assist and advise producers. It addresses a number of different aspects regarding local food, including alternative routes to market and marketing best practice. It provides practical advice on marketing and case study examples prepared with assistance from businesses which have achieved success within the local food sector.

Related Information

http://www.sac.ac.uk/consultancy/foodmarketing/