Jim Fairlie (Perthshire
South and Kinross-shire) (SNP): I was also intrigued
by the proposal from the Scottish rural and islands youth
parliament that said:
“supermarkets
must have a target imposed that a percentage of produce must be
offered for sale from their region to reduce food miles and
carbon costs, promote food security, recognise quality, and high
welfare standards of Scottish produce. For example, seafood,
protein, fruit and veg, meat, dairy, and eggs.”
That proposal is well worth drilling into—not just to have a pop
at supermarkets
but as a method of finding out how much that already happens and,
more important, what more can be done.
It will be very interesting from my point of view—
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick,
Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)
Will the member take an intervention?
Jim Fairlie
I will not—I have only a minute and a half left and I want to get
this point out. I apologise.
It would be very interesting if the Scottish rural and islands
youth parliament instigated an inquiry and, in the same way as
committees in this Parliament do, took evidence from the
stakeholders and presented the findings in a report for us all to
scrutinise. If it takes up that challenge, I will be fascinated
to find out exactly how it gets on with engaging with the
supermarkets
and how the supermarkets
deal with the very direct questioning that comes from the
confidence of youth—I speak from experience. I look forward to
hearing whether that develops, and I wish the members of the
Scottish rural and islands youth parliament every success in
their endeavours...
Jamie Halcro Johnston
(Highlands and Islands) (Con)
The Scottish rural and islands youth parliament is also right to
push for transport that meets the needs of local communities. I
repeat my support for access to our islands ferries being treated
as we would buses on the mainland, so that young people on our
islands are not disadvantaged. As a farmer, I certainly welcome
calls for supermarkets
to ensure that more local produce is available on our shelves and
that we continue to meet high welfare standards...
To read the whole debate, OPEN HERE
