Extract from Scottish Parliament debate: Food and Drink Sector - Sep 12

Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab):...I have visited Galloway Lodge Preserves, along with representatives of the Food and Drink Federation; I have been to numerous agricultural shows, country fairs, local farms, farmers markets, fishing ports and hotels; I visited a distillery or two, with representatives of the Scotch Whisky Association; and, this weekend, I will have the pleasure of attending the Stranraer oyster festival. It has been a delight, once again, to eat and drink my way across what is a wonderful region this summer, and I place on record my thanks to those working in the food and drink sector in South Scotland: farmers, fishers, shop workers, processors, wholesalers and deliverers. They are all part of the 18,000 food and drink businesses in Scotland that turn over £14 billion a year and employ more than 115,000 people. That is a real success story and we should be proud of it...

For context, OPEN HERE