Extracts from Scottish Parliament proceedings - Nov 1

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to encourage local sourcing across public sector catering. (S5O-02501)

The Scottish Government is committed to encouraging and increasing the ocal sourcing of food and drink across the public sector. Good progress has been made and we know that around 48 per cent of the food and drink that is sourced in the public sector is Scottish—a 41 per cent increase since 2007. We believe that we can do more and we have put in place a range of measures and support to try to increase levels further.

I welcome all movement towards local sourcing. Does the minister agree that consumption shifts, such as buying locally and seasonally, are important in moving Scotland along a sustainable path?

I agree, and I welcome the progress that has been made by 11 local authorities and the food for life programme. Local procurement is desirable for our schools, hospitals, prisons and the whole public sector and also for our food producers—our farmers and suppliers. We are doing many things to make yet further progress.

East Ayrshire Council has a great reputation for sourcing food for schools locally—I think that more than 75 per cent of its food is sourced locally. Does the cabinet secretary recognise that the Scottish Government could use the central Scotland Excel contract to ensure that all Scotland’s schoolchildren get the same opportunity to access quality locally produced food?

I am aware of East Ayrshire Council’s good work and I know that Corrie Mains farm in East Ayrshire supplies all the eggs to primary schools there. We are a wee bit ahead of Brian Whittle, because we are already doing what he has urged me to do, and have been for some time. Following the good work in 11 Scottish local authorities, I am pleased that we are expanding the programme to reach more schools by investing £400,000 over the next three years to target all 32 local authorities. I am sure that the member will be delighted to hear that positive news.