The Scottish Parliament has passed the Good Food Nation Bill
after its Stage 3 debate.
The Bill enshrines in law the Scottish Government’s commitment to
Scotland being a Good Food Nation, where people from every walk
of life take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food
they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day.
Our world-leading approach will create links between policy at
the national and local levels, with Government, local authorities
and health boards all creating good food nation plans. Those
plans will set out clear outcomes, indicators and policies across
a range of areas relating to food including the environment,
health and the economy.
A Food Commission will also be established for scrutinising and
making recommendations in relation to the good food nation plans
and progress reports; conducting research; and providing advice
to Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities in carrying out
their duties under the Bill.
Rural Affairs Secretary said: “The Good Food Nation
Bill reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone in
Scotland has access to healthy, nutritious fare and that
businesses and public kitchens commit to producing, selling and
serving good food.
“Organisations can play a leading role in this process – looking
at how they boost local procurement, cut down food waste and
packaging and use in-season produce as well disposing of food
waste in an environmentally friendly way.
“In addition, food education can equip school pupils with the key
skills they need to cook tasty, nutritious meals using the
incredible array of world-class produce we have, and also make
informed food choices when they are away from home.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to my colleagues in
parliament, partners and everyone involved in making this a
reality. The passing of this Bill lays down the foundation, and
gives us a firm start, to achieving our goal of being a Good Food
Nation.”
David Thomson CEO Food & Drink Federation Scotland said: “FDF
Scotland welcomes the Good Food Nation Bill and highly values the
importance the Scottish Government places on food and drink.
“The Bill will be a key element in ensuring that Scotland’s
critical food and drink producers are supported in their journey
to a sustainable, resilient and profitable future.”
Director of Nourish Scotland, and member of the Scottish Food
Coalition, Pete Ritchie said: "The good food nation bill lays the
foundation for transforming Scotland's food system for future
generations, with benefits for health, climate, nature,
communities and businesses.
“It’s good that the Bill’s been strengthened by the establishment
of an independent food commission. The challenge now is to build
on the cross party support for the Bill to develop ambitious
cross cutting food plans and policies at local and national
level."
National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean said: “The Good Food
Nation Bill is a welcome intervention in highlighting the
importance of good food especially to our younger generation.
“I will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and
other partners in encouraging people to take a keen interest in
their food and in understanding the benefits of healthy local
produce.”
